Smokies one-hit by Barons

SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Smokies fell to Birmingham 3-0 on Saturday night at Smokies Stadium. It was their third straight loss against the Barons as both teams are now tied for first place in the division. 
Tennessee's offense was shut down for much of the game, not picking up a hit until the bottom of the seventh when Zack Short singled to left. Short had the only hit of the game for Tennessee. Charcer Burks reached base on a walk in the bottom of the first. 
Matt Swarmer received the start for the Smokies and pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. He also struck out six. Swarmer fell to 1-2 in Double-A with the loss. 
Jordan Minch replaced Swarmer in the sixth inning and, after a struggle by the bullpen last night, threw two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two. Wyatt Short was next out of the bullpen and got into a jam. Birmingham loaded the bases with no outs, but a double play started by Short and a groundout to first, ended the inning. Short pitched a scoreless ninth as well, as he struck out two. 
The Smokies and Barons will be back at Smokies Stadium for game four of the series at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Thomas Hatch is the projected starter for Tennessee as he looks for win number seven. Hatch is 3-2 in home games this season with a 3.38 ERA. Birmingham will counter with Bernardo Flores who is 2-2 with a 1.67 ERA.  
Written by Rob Harvey, Broadcast Assistant for the Tennessee Smokies
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