Deja Vu! Smokies Win 5-1 Again to Clinch Series

KODAK, TN - The Tennessee Smokies (25-23) defeated the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (29-20) Saturday night at Smokies Stadium. The Smokies are now two games over .500 and sit just four games back of first place.
RHP Thomas Hatch (W, 2-5) earned his second win of the season. He allowed one run on six hits over a season-high six in- nings. Travis Blankenhorn's solo home run to right center field on the first pitch of the game was the only run Hatch allowed.
The Smokies took their first lead in the third, on Vimael Machin' two-run home run to right field off RHP Melvi Acosta (L, 0-1). Acosta suffered the loss in his Double-A debut, he allowed five runs on eight hits over four innings.
The Smokies added three more in the fifth. Connor Myers led off with a triple, and scored two pitches later on P.J. Higgins' RBI-single. Higgins moved to second on Machin's single. The Smokies loaded the bases when Jared Young reached on Taylor Grzelakowski's error at first. Acosta was then lifted for RHP Adam Bray. Ian Rice reached on a fielder's choice, scor- ing Higgins from third, to give Tennessee a 4-1 lead. Machin moved to third on the out and scored on Jhonny Pereda's RBI-single.
RHP Scott Effross and LHP Wyatt Short both turned in scoreless relief outings to put the game away.
The Smokies and Blue Wahoos will conclude their five game series Sunday afternoon. RHP Cory Abbott (4-2, 2.96) will start the finale for Tennessee. Pensacola has not announced a starter. First pitch is scheduled for 2 PM ET.
Sunday at Smokies Stadium is Community Heroes Night and U.S. Cellular Family Funday. All current and past first respond- ers and military will receive 2 free tickets to the game presented by Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union. Fans can also receive 4 tickets, 4 meal vouchers, and 2 kids zone wristbands for just $52 courtesy of U.S. Cellular.