SMOKIES FALL IN SERIES FINALE AGAINST BISCUITS

MONTGOMERY, AL  - The Smokies had their four-game win streak snapped against the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday night as they fell 7-2. The Smokies started the game smooth, as they took an early lead, but a bad fifth inning gave the Biscuits the win. 
After a rain out ruined his last start, Rucker didn't miss a beat on Friday night to start as he was solid early on. Rucker threw four scoreless innings but hit a bump in the fifth. Rucker allowed six runs in the fifth inning and ruined a productive start. He finished the game going 4.2 innings, allowing six runs on four hits and striking out four. 
The bats got going early for the Smokies as they looked to extend their winning streak and sweep the Biscuits. Jeffrey Baez hit his first home run of the season in the second inning to put the Smokies up 1-0. However, the fifth inning resulted in seven runs for the Biscuits to put them up six. 
Daury Torrez replaced Rucker with two outs in the fourth and, after giving up a triple, got out of the inning. Torrez would pitch 1.1 innings in total and gave up one run on three hits and struck out one. Tommy Nance replaced Torrez and pitched the final two innings giving up two hits but no runs.
The Smokies cut into the Biscuits lead in the seventh inning thanks to another solo home run as Eddy Martinez hit his first home run of the season. Ian Rice immediately followed Martinez up with a single to keep the rally going, but Tennessee could not scratch across anymore runs. The Smokies went down quietly in the ninth to seal the game.
The Smokies had seven hits in the game with Baez and Carlos Penalver each getting on base twice. Martinez reached base twice as well with his home run and a walk. 
The Smokies will be back in action on Saturday as they return home to take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at 5:30 p.m. The Smokies are expected to start Trevor Clifton for the game while the Jumbo Shrimp will expect to send Merandy Gonzalez to the mound. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. at Smokies Stadium.
The full schedule for this season and information regarding single-game tickets, season tickets, and mini plans can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES
The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com