Hendricks, Ha lift Smokies to doubleheader split

Ha hits Game Two walk-off home run; Hendricks close to no-hitter

By Matthew Shalbrack/Adam Kline

April 29, 2013

KODAK, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies spilt a doubleheader with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Monday afternoon, falling in Game One, 3-0, and winning Game Two 3-0 , on Jae-Hoon Ha's three-run, walk off home run. Tennessee's Game Two starter Kyle Hendricks taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

With extra innings looming, the Smokies (14-10) ended the game in a big way. With two on and two out, Ha's pinch-hit, three-run home run off Wilken De La Rosa (0-1) gave the Smokies the nightcap victory. It was Ha's first home run of the season and he now has 13 RBIs on the year as well.

Hendricks led the defensive charge for the Smokies carrying a no-hitter through 5.2 innings, until Devin Lohman singled on a soft line drive to right field. Hendricks finished his outing going six innings, giving up only the one hit, while walking one and striking out eight. In his last two outing, Hendricks has allowed only a run on four hits, walking two and striking out 17 batters.

Marcus Hatley (1-0) pitched a perfect seventh innings to earn the win in relief.

In the opening game, the Blue Wahoos (10-13) got to Smokies starter Eric Jokisch early. In the first, Travis Mattair scored Ryan LaMarre with a single. Brodie Greene hit his second home run of the season an inning later, and LaMarre plated Lohman in the third to give Pensacola a 3-0 lead.

That was all that Pensacola starter Josh Smith (3-2) would need. Smith threw five scoreless innings, walking two and striking out four. Jokisch (3-1) also went five innings, but allowed the three runs on six hits, with a walk and a strikeout.

Tennessee relievers Frank Batista and Tony Zych combined to toss two scoreless innings, neither allowing a hit.

Following an off day on Tuesday, the Smokies will head to Pearl, Miss. to take on the Mississippi Braves in a five-game series. Tennessee will return to Smokies Park on Tuesday, May 7 and begin a five-game homestand with the Birmingham Barons. For tickets and more information please visit smokiesbaseball.com or call (865) 286-2300.