SMOKIES FALL TO LOOKOUTS IN SERIES OPENER

SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE - The Smokies couldn't find the big hit on Wednesday night, losing to the Lookouts 8-1. Tennessee mustered seven hits in the series opener while Chattanooga tallied 14 base knocks.
Tennessee turned to Trevor Clifton on the mound with the Smokies needing to win four-of-five from the Lookouts in order to capture the Southern League's North Division first-half title. The Maryville native went 6.0 innings, allowing four runs on six hits. Clifton struck out five and walked three.
Chattanooga's Nick Gordon delivered the big blow, smashing a three-run homer in the second inning. Gordon finished 2-of-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
Charcer Burks was the only Smokie to have a multi-hit game. Burks scored the lone Tennessee run and finished 2-for-4 at the plate. David Bote drove in Burks on an RBI groundout in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Smokies are back in action tomorrow night as they square off with the Lookouts in game two of the five-game series. Duane Underwood is expected to take the mound for Tennessee, while Stephen Gonsalves is expected to get the ball for the Lookouts. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. as it is Thirsty Thursday, presented by Coors Light. 
Tennessee must win its final four games of the series with Chattanooga in order to regain first place in the Southern League North. 
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