SMOKIES SPLIT SUNDAY DOUBLEHEADER WITH JUMBO SHRIMP

SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE - The Smokies struck for nine runs in game one of today's doubleheader, defeating the Jumbo Shrimp 9-2 to win the series. Tennessee right-hander Zach Hedges (4-2) received the start for the Smokies, going six innings and picking up a quality start in the win. Hedges allowed just two runs on seven hits.
Tennessee catcher Ian Rice sparked the offense, hitting a grand slam over the left field fence in the bottom of the fifth inning to break the game open and give the Smokies a 9-2 lead. Rice would finish 2-for-3 with two runs scored and four RBIs. Charcer Burks, Jason Vosler, Jeffrey Baez and Hedges would all drive-in runs. 
Game two wasn't as kind to the Smokies. In the top of the first inning, Jacksonville third baseman Brian Anderson hit a three-run homer to give the Jumbo Shrimp an early 3-0 lead. The homer would prove to be the difference as neither team would score again.
James Pugliese received the start on the mound for Tennessee, pitching 4.0 innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits. Daury Torrez would close out the game, pitching three scoreless innings in relief. 
Following their series win over the Jumbo Shrimp, the Smokies now head to Jackson for a five-game series with the Generals beginning on Monday night. With a good series in Jackson, Tennessee could potentially come back home atop the standings. Tennessee returns home next Saturday to begin a five-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits.