SMOKIES RALLY COMES UP SHORT AS BISCUITS WIN

SEVIERVILLE, TN -  The Smokies fell to the Biscuits on Saturday night 8-4 to even up the series. Tennessee hit two home runs in the ninth inning to make things interesting, though. 
Thomas Hatch was the starter for the Smokies and worked himself into trouble early on. Hatch gave up a three-run home run in the top of the first but managed to make it through just 3.2 innings as he gave up five runs on five hits and struck out two. He also walked four batters. 
Preston Morrison replaced Hatch with two outs in the fourth and lasted 2.2 innings, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out two. Jordan Minch was called on next for his third appearance in five games. Minch had his best outing during those games as he pitched three scoreless innings while allowing three hits. He also struck out three.  
The Smokies first scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs, Trey Martin beat out a ball hit that was hit to short for an infield single. Martin moved to third on a Charcer Burks single that put runners on the corners. The Smokies could not cash in as Vimael Machin struck out. 
In the bottom of the ninth, the Smokies gave some life to the crowd at Smokies stadium. With two outs, Trent Giambrone hit a solo home run to right-center to get the Smokies on the board. It was Giambrone's eighth home run of the year. Daniel Spingola followed up the home run with a double before Zach Short walked to put two runners on. Eddy Martinez then crushed his third home run of the season to center field to make it an 8-4 game. That was all the Smokies could get though.
The Smokies and Biscuits will be back in action on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. to close out the series. Matt Swarmer is the projected starter for the Smokies as he looks for his first Double-A win this season. 
Written by Rob Harvey, Broadcast Assistant for the Tennessee Smokies
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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