By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Earlier today I sat down with Huntsville Stars broadcaster Alex Cohen to get his thoughts on the Southern League and the 2012 version of the Stars.

Cohen is in his first year as the play-by-play voice of the Stars, and you can follow him on Twitter: @alexmcohen.

Check the post below for listening information on tonight’s second game of the series.

Right-hander Nick Struck will start tonight for Tennessee. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

After losing six of their last seven games, the Tennessee Smokies aim to return to the winning track on Tuesday night, facing the Huntsville Stars at Smokies Park at 7:15 p.m.

The Stars have taken five out of the six meetings in the season series this season, and won the opening game of this set 8-4 last night.

Tennessee will send right-hander Nick Struck to the mound for his eleventh start of the season. Struck is 4-5 with a 4.86 ERA. Huntsville will start right-hander Evan Anundsen, who is 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA.

Here are more notes on tonight’s game, direct from the official Tennessee Smokies game notes compiled by Cody Chrusciel:

By Adam King / Smokies Radio Network

Last night Smokies team physician Dr. John McGraw presented the Smokies with an American flag that flew in Afghanistan when Dr. McGraw was deployed there with the U.S. Army last year.

“Doc” McGraw’s story was featured here on the Smokies Radio Network website a few weeks ago, and we are happy he is back home in East Tennessee.

Here is a video of the flag presentation from Doc McGraw to Smokies general manager Brian Cox before the opening game of the Smokies-Stars series at Smokies Park.

Challenger the bald eagle from Pigeon Forge, Tenn., flew during the National Anthem at Wrigley Field on Memorial Day. Photo Courtesy: Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Tennessee Smokies opened their series against Huntsville by dropping the first contest 8-4 at Smokies Park on Monday night.

With the loss the Smokies have now lost five of their last six games.

It’s time for today’s What We’re Reading, but keep checking the blog and our Facebook and Twitter pages for more info throughout the day on today’s game at Smokies Park.

- Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokescreen? Looks that way for Smokies

- Bleed Cubbie Blue: Cubs Minor League Wrap: May 28

- Chicago Tribune: Cubs put out Rizzo firestorm

- Chicago Tribune: Relief for Cubs as skid ends

- Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs president Theo Epstein won’t rule out Ryan Dempster

- CSN Chicago: Hoyer knows Rizzo can’t be the savior for Cubs

- ESPN: Convicted felon’ Bonds interested in Giants gig

- ESPN Golf: Phil Mickelson wants to buy Padres

- The New York Times: Pujols Is Starting to Look Like His Usual Fearsome Self

- Baseball America: By and Large, NCAA Baseball Field Right

By Adam Kline / Smokies Radio Network

KODAK, Tenn. – Rebel Ridling’s sixth home run of the season wasn’t enough to overcome a six-run deficit as the Tennessee Smokies fell to the Huntsville Stars Monday night, 8-4.  The loss, in front of 3,787 at Smokies Park, drops the Smokies to 21-30 on the season.  Huntsville improved to 28-22, 1.5 games back of first-place Jackson.

Tennessee jumped on the scoreboard in the first off Huntsville starter Josh Stinson.  Jae-Hoon Ha led off with a single and moved to third on a double by Logan Watkins.  Ha would score two batters later on a RBI groundout by Justin Bour to give the Smokies an early 1-0 lead.

The Stars would strike bake in the top of the second, tagging Tennessee starter Dae-Eun Rhee for five runs.  Huntsville started the inning with a single by Domnit Bolivar, and former Tennessee Volunteer Kentrail Davis brought him home with a double.   Lee Haydel followed with an RBI single and Tommy Manzella and Scooter Gennett would drive in three more runs between them with an infield single and a two-run double, respectively, to give Huntsville a 5-1 lead.

After getting the leadoff batter in the third out, Rhee allowed four consecutive singles allowing one more run to score.  Smokies reliever Jeff Antigua entered the game with bases loaded and walked in a run before retiring the side with the Stars ahead 7-1.

Rhee (3-2) lasted 2.1 innings allowing seven earned runs on nine hits.

Stinson (6-2) kept the Smokies bats quiet over his five innings of work.  He allowed one run on three hits while striking out three.

Ridling tried to spark the Tennessee offense with his home run to left field in the sixth to narrow the deficit to 7-2.

Trailing 8-2 in the eighth, the Smokies staged a rally scoring twice, but left the bases loaded.  Bour walked and Ridling reached on an error by Gennett.  A wild pitch by Stars reliever Darren Byrd advanced the runners a base, and Luis Flores smacked a two-RBI single to left field.  Elliot Soto hit a pinch-hit single and Mike Burgess walked to load the bases for Ha.  Huntsville turned to their closer Jesus Sanchez (S, 5) who got Ha to strike out and end the Smokies’ threat.

Tennessee looks to bounce back in Game 2 vs. Huntsville Tuesday night at 7:15 at Smokies Park.  The Smokies will send RHP Nick Struck (4-5, 4.86) to the mound, while RHP Evan Anundsen (3-1, 2.55) will get the start for the Stars.  Tickets can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling (865) 286-2300.

LISTEN TO GAME HIGHLIGHTS: May 28, 2012 Stars 8 Smokies 4

By Cody Chrusciel / Smokies Radio Network

The Smokies Radio Network took a tour of the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum during Tennessee’s May 2012 series in Mobile against the BayBears.

This tour is hosted by BayBears Assistant General Manager and Museum Curator Mike Callahan, as he takes an in depth look at the museum located at Hank Aaron Stadium.

We hope you enjoy this unique look at one of the Southern League’s treasures, the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum.

By Mick Gillispie / Smokies Radio Network

Here’s a review of this past road trip for the Tennessee Smokies plus a preview of their upcoming homestand against the Huntsville Stars at Smokies Park.

Check the post below for listening information on tonight’s opening game of the series.

Logan Watkins at the plate. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Tennessee Smokies and Huntsville Stars will celebrate Memorial Day by playing the national pastime on Monday night at Smokies Park.

This is the first home game for the Smokies since May 15, following the longest road trip of the season, ten games against Mississippi and Mobile.

Taking the ball tonight for Tennessee is right-hander Dae-Eun Rhee. In nine starts this season, Rhee is 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA. Starting for Huntsville is right-hander Josh Stinson, who is 5-2 with a 3.27 ERA in six starts.

The Smokies will celebrate all our service men that have served and are currently serving our country during our Memorial Day celebration, presented by Miller High Life.  All military personnel, with valid ID, will receive a free ticket to the game.

Make sure to get to the game early, the Smokies will be presenting team physician Col. John McGraw with an American Flag that was flown over the FOB Salerno Hospital in Afghanistan in a pregame presentation.  It’s also Dollar Hot Dog night, presented by Pilot, Oscar Mayer and WATE TV-6.

Here are more notes on tonight’s game direct from the official Tennessee Smokies game notes compiled by Cody Chrusciel:

Smokies Park. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Tennessee Smokies are back home following their longest road trip of the season, ten games against the Mississippi Braves and Mobile BayBears. The club went 4-6 on the trip, winning the first series against Mississippi.

The Smokies begin a five-game homestand tonight against the Huntsville Stars, the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.

It’s time for today’s What We’re Reading, but keep checking the blog and our Facebook and Twitter pages for more info throughout the day on today’s game at Smokies Park.

- Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokies Preview: Huntsville at Tennessee

- Bleed Cubbie Blue: Cubs Minor League Wrap: May 27

- Chicago Tribune: Rizzo Watch for Cubs: Wrist soreness, no call-up

- Chicago Tribune: Dirty dozen: Cubs’ skid hits 12

- Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs’ closer carrousel might turn to James Russell

- CSN Chicago: Cubs starting lineup — Monday

- ESPN New York: Don Larsen to auction ’56 uniform

- Ballpark Digest: Retro bullpen cart a hit in Sugar Land

- The New York Times: Ojeda: The Glory and the Pain of Pitching

- Chicago Sun-Times: Konerko Has No Thoughts of .400

Smokies Park. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Adam Kline / Tennessee Smokies

KODAK, Tenn. – The Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, return from their 10-game road trip to take on the Huntsville Stars in a five-game series beginning on Monday, May 28 at Smokies Park.  Come join us at Smokies Park as we cheer on the Smokies and enjoy our Memorial Day celebration, Buck Night and Jazz Night.

Join us for Monday’s 7:15 game, as the Smokies will celebrate all our service men that have served and are currently serving our country during our Memorial Day celebration, presented by Miller High Life.  All military personnel, with valid ID, will receive a free ticket to the game.  Make sure to get to the game early, the Smokies will be presenting team physician Col. John McGraw with an American Flag that was flown over the FOB Salerno Hospital in Afghanistan in a pregame presentation.  It’s also Dollar Hot Dog night, presented by Pilot, Oscar Mayer and WATE TV-6.

Tuesday’s 7:15 game will bring residents & employees of Jefferson and Hamblen Counties a $2 discount on a walk-up ticket purchase.  The Smokies will also offer anyone who shows their Pilot Rewards Card a $2 discount on a walk-up ticket purchase on “Pilot Prize Night.”

Wednesday night’s game at 7:15 will be Buck Night at Smokies Park, where hot dogs, small sodas and small popcorns are only $1 each.

We show our thanks to all our educators on Thursday’s 7:15 game for “Teacher’s Appreciation Night.”  All teachers can purchase tickets to the game for only $7.  Kids 12-and-under, with a paid admission, can eat for free, courtesy of Q93.  It’s also another Pilot Prize Night – where everyone’s a winner!!  Great deals are available for all as it is another Food City Family Night.   Fans can purchase a ticket and receive another ticket for free by bringing a jar or receipt showing proof of purchase of Peter Pan Peanut Butter to the ticket office, thanks to Food City and Peter Pan Peanut Butter.

Friday’s 7:15 contest will feature jazz music all night long on Jazz Night.  Fans will have the chance to enter the Citizen National Bank Money Grab machine for an opportunity to win some free cash.  Stick around after the game for another fantastic postgame fireworks show, presented by Knoxville News Sentinel, Pepsi, Coors Light, WIVK 107.7, and WVLT TV-8.

For tickets and more information, fans can visit www.smokiesbaseball.com or call (865) 286-2300.

Probable Starting Pitchers:
Monday: RHP Josh Stinson (5-2, 3.27) @ RHP Dae-Eun Rhee (3-1, 4.50)
Tuesday: RHP Evan Anundsen (3-1, 2.55) @ RHP Nick Struck (4-5, 4.86)
Wednesday: RHP Tyler Thornburg (6-0, 2.28) @ RHP Dallas Beeler (1-4, 3.93)
Thursday: RHP Kyle Heckathorn (2-3, 5.32) @ LHP Eric Jokisch (0-0, 0.00)
Friday: RHP Hiram Burgos (0-1, 4.76) @ RHP Trey McNutt (2-3, 2.67)

Smokies Radio Broadcasts:
Monday: The Sports Animal (FM 99.1, FM 99.3 & AM 990)
Tuesday: The Sports Animal (FM 99.1, FM 99.3 & AM 990)
Wednesday: The Sports Animal (FM 99.1, FM 99.3 & AM 990)
Thursday: The Sports Animal (FM 99.1, FM 99.3 & AM 990)
Friday: The Sports Animal (FM 99.1, FM 99.3 & AM 990)