Smokies win series finale over Mobile, 4-2

By: Adam Kline

KODAK, Tenn. – A night after clinching the second-half North Division title, the Tennessee Smokies defeated the Mobile BayBears (36-29, 75-59) Tuesday night, 4-2, in the final home game of the regular season at Smokies Park. With the win, in front of 3,998, the Smokies improve to 38-26 on the second half, 72-61 overall.

Tennessee jumped ahead in the second inning off of BayBears starter Bo Schultz (5-4) after Justin Bour and Jonathan Mota hit back-to-back singles. Both advanced a base on a Brett Jackson ground out. John Andreoli walked to load the bases. Then consecutive walks to Rafael Lopez and Eric Jokisch each brought in two runs and ground out by Matt Szczur brought in the third run of the inning to give the Smokies a 3-0 lead.

Three innings later, Arismendy Alcantara hit his 15th home run of the season, a solo shot to right-center to give the Smokies a 4-0 advantage.

That would be all the run support that Tennessee starter Eric Jokisch would need. Jokisch (11-12) threw six scoreless innings, only allowing two hits, a walk and struck out two.

Following scoreless innings by Smokies relievers A.J. Morris and Hunter Cervenka, Mobile made things interesting in the ninth. Tennessee reliever Tony Zych surrendered a pair of runs before Smokies skipper called for closer Frank Batista, who was able to get the final two outs of the game and secure the victory for the Smokies.

Following an off day on Wednesday, the Smokies will hit the road to conclude the 2013 regular season and start a five-game series with the Chattanooga Lookouts starting on Thursday.

The Smokies will return to Smokies Park for Game 3 of the Southern League North Division Championship Series, scheduled for Saturday, September 7. For playoff tickets or more information, please visit www.smokiesbaseball.com or call 865-286-2300.

AUDIO RECAP SMOKIES 4 Baybears 2