Listen as Smokies open Barons series in Hoover

Smokies shortstop Junior Lake. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Tennessee Smokies look to continue their winning ways against the Birmingham Barons as the clubs meet for a three-game series that begins tonight at Regions Park in Hoover, Ala.

The Smokies have won eight of the last 11 meetings against the Barons, and lead the season series 9-6.

Tennessee is coming off a series win against the Chattanooga Lookouts, winning the Monday rubber match 4-3 at Smokies Park.

Tonight Tennessee will send left-hander Zach Rosscup to the mound for his Southern League debut. Rosscup has pitched in four games this season (one with Mesa, three with Peoria) where he went 2-0 in four relief appearances, giving up only three hits in nine scoreless innings. In that time on the mound he struck out 16 batters and didn’t walk any.

Starting for the Barons is right-hander Philip Humber, who is with Birmingham on a major league rehab assignment. Humber threw a perfect game earlier this season for the White Sox against the Seattle Mariners on April 21. He was placed on the disabled list June 17 and will make his third rehab start tonight. He is recovering from a right elbow flexor strain and is 3-4 with a 6.01 ERA this season with Chicago.

Fans can listen to the game on the Smokies Radio Network, with the “Voice of the Smokies” Mick Gillispie entering his sixth season as Tennessee’s Director of Broadcasting. The 2010 Southern League Broadcaster of the Year is assisted by Cody Chrusciel, Roger Hoover, Jonathan Guess, and Adam King. Chrusciel and Hoover will host the Pilot Oscar-Mayer Pregame Show beginning at 7:45 p.m. on the Smokies Radio Network.

Tonight’s broadcast will air on the Smokies Radio Network’s flagship station The Sports Animal WNML AM 990, FM 99.1 and 99.3 plus the Smokies mobile app. Click the link below to listen live online.

Listen Live to the Smokies July 11, 2012

You can also follow along with the game by following the Smokies Radio Network on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.