Tag Archives: Kevin Rhoderick

by | July 31, 2013 · 9:39 am

Smokies fall 9-6 in extra innings against Barons Tuesday

By: Adam Kline

KODAK, Tenn. – The Tennessee Smokies lost in 13 innings against the Birmingham Barons by a final score of 9-6, Tuesday night at Smokies Park. Both teams were deadlocked in a 5-5 tie after the 6th inning until Barons outfielder Keenyn Walker singled to left, bringing in the go-ahead run in the 13th. This loss drops the Smokies to 22-15, 56-50 on the season and puts them a 0.5 game behind the Barons (23-15, 67-41) in the Southern League North Division.

Both teams were deadlocked in a 5-5 tie from the seventh inning until the 13th inning. With Kevin Rhoderick (1-5) pitching, Mike Blanke walked and then was pinch-ran for by David Herbek. After Rhoderick walked the next batter, Walker squeaked a single to left field, scoring Herbek. The Barons would go on to score three more runs off Rhoderick in the inning, giving them a comfortable 9-5 lead.

Earlier in the game, the Smokies took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Javier Baez walked with two outs. Baez then stole second and scored on a Justin Bour single to right field.

However, the Barons countered in the second, putting up two runs on a Keenyn Walker triple and a Marcus Semien single to take a 2-1 lead.

In the third inning, the Smokies would tie the game at three off of a Christian Villanueva sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Matt Szczur. Szczur singled to begin the frame.

The Barons would get one run in the fourth and two runs in the sixth, but the Smokies once again came back to tie the game at five after scoring a run in the fifth and two runs in the sixth.

Smokies starter Yeiper Castillo went 3.2 innings, giving up four hits, three runs (zero earned), one walk and struck out four. He did not factor into the decision.

P.J. Francescon came in to relieve Castillo, going 2.1 innings and giving up two hits, two earned runs, walked three and struck out one. He surrendered a two-run home run to Marcus Semien.

Zac Rosscup pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief, striking out three in the process. Tony Zych added 2.2 innings of scoreless relief as well, giving up two hits and striking out two. Infielder Nate Samson got the final out of the 13th inning on a lineout to Baez.

Barons’ starter Michael Nix was tagged for six hits, three earned runs, four walks and struck out four. He last five innings. Nestor Molina (1-1) pitched two innings in relief, giving up a hit, walking two and striking out one.

The Smokies and Barons face off in the fourth game of the five-game series Wednesday night at 7:15. Right-hander Matt Loosen (1-2, 7.46) makes his first start since returning to the Smokies on July 27, facing off against Baron’s righty Chris Bassitt (2-0, 2.70).

AUDIO RECAP  BARONS  9  Smokies  6

To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page. 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Recap

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

by | July 26, 2013 · 11:20 pm

Smokies fall 9-8 in back-and-forth affair Friday night to Huntsville

Smokies catcher Rafael Lopez went 3-for-3 with a home run (8), 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. (Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover)

Smokies catcher Rafael Lopez went 3-for-3 with a home run (8), 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. (Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.  – The Tennessee Smokies (54-48) fell 9-8 to the Huntsville Stars (44-57) in game four of their series Friday night at Joe W. Davis Stadium. Each team scored multiple runs in three half innings before Huntsville took control in the seventh inning.

For the second straight night, Huntsville surged out of the gates. Smokies’ starter A.J. Morris walked the first two batters he faced in the first inning on just nine pitches. After a fielder’s choice, Southern League Player of the Week Jason Rogers singled to put the Stars on top 1-0.

A fielding error by Christian Villanueva allowed a second run to score. The next batter was former Cub Eric Patterson. The second basemen lined a single to left field that plated a pair of runners and gave Huntsville a 4-0 edge after an inning.

After the Smokies hit a season-high five home runs last night, Villanueva blasted his 13th round-tripper down the right field line tucking it inside the foul pole cutting the deficit to 4-1. John Andreoli drew a two-out walk. Rafael Lopez cranked his eighth long ball of the season to pull the Smokies within a run at 4-3.

Rogers led off the bottom of the third inning with an infield single. Two batters later, Brock Kjeldgaard smashed a two-run blast to straightaway center field to give Huntsville a 6-3 advantage.

The home run derby continued in the top of the fourth inning when Justin Bour started the fourth inning with his third home run in as many nights, pulling the Smokies within a pair. Nate Samson added a sacrifice fly in the stanza making the tally 6-5.

The home team added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. With runners at first and second and two outs, Shawn Zarraga pulled a double just inside the first base line that brought home a pair making the score 8-5.

Rafael Lopez doubled in a run with one out and Matt Szczur singled home another run to pull Tennessee within a run. Arismendy Alcantara looped a double down the left field line to tie the score at eight in the sixth inning.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Huntsville regained the lead. Kevin Rhoderick walked Kjeldgaard to begin the frame. Two batters later Zarraga singled to center to score the outfielder and give the Stars a 9-8 edge.

The rubber game of the series is Saturday night at 7:43 p.m. in Huntsville. Southern League All-Star Kyle Hendricks (9-3, 1.91) will take the bump for Tennessee while Brooks Hall (0-3, 5.76) gets the start for the Stars.

AUDIO RECAP  STARS  9  Smokies  8

To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page. Michael Wottreng is a Broadcast and Multimedia Assistant for the Smokies Radio Network. You can follow Michael on Twitter here: @MWottreng

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Recap

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | July 22, 2013 · 3:03 pm

Tennessee bullpen showing improvement in July

Tennessee reliever Yeiper Castillo has impressed since being in the bullpen. In six relief outings, the right-hander has a 1.50 ERA. (Photo Courtesy: Matthew Shalbrack/Tennessee Smokies)

Tennessee reliever Yeiper Castillo has impressed since being in the bullpen. In six relief outings, the right-hander has a 1.50 ERA. (Photo Courtesy: Matthew Shalbrack/Tennessee Smokies)

The Tennessee Smokies’ bullpen has experienced its fair share of highs and lows this season. Consistently among the bottom of most Southern League statistical categories, the Smokies’ relievers were faced with many first-half hardships and dealt with key departures from players such as Brian Schlitter, Marcus Hatley and Trey McNutt.

But the relief corps has heated up as the temperatures have become warmer. The Tennessee ‘pen now possesses the lowest monthly ERA it has seen all season with a 2.34 clip in July. The Smokies’ 13-6 record in the month of July coincides with the improvement of its relievers, says pitching coach Jeff Fassero.

“Over this winning streak, the whole bullpen’s done a great job,” Fassero said. “That’s where we were a little weak in the first part of the season, losing games in the seventh, eighth, ninth innings of games.”

Starter-turned-reliever Yeiper Castillo has been among the most improved of the relievers. The 24-year-old right-hander was promoted to Tennessee from Daytona on May 23rd and began in the Smokies’ rotation.

The Venezuela native went 0-1 with a 5.95 ERA in four starts before being placed in the bullpen, a spot Fassero says Castillo is better suited for.

“He’s much more comfortable not knowing when he’s going to pitch,” Fassero said. “Every time you watch him between starts, there was a lot of anxiety built up and…I don’t think he’s cut out to be a starter because too much stuff builds up between starts for him.”

Smokies pitching coach Jeff Fassero (middle) won spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues and won 121 games. (Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover)

Smokies pitching coach Jeff Fassero (middle) spent 16 seasons in the Major Leagues and won 121 games. (Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover)

Castillo, mainly used as a long-reliever, has made six appearances out of the ‘pen and has allowed only three earned runs in 18 innings pitched for a 1.50 ERA. The 185-pound pitcher has thrown three innings or more in four of his six relief outings.

The Smokies’ bullpen has also been helped by the recent improvement in 2012 Southern-League All-Star Kevin Rhoderick. The 6-foot-1 right-hander possessed a 6.04 ERA before July, but had allowed only one earned run in the month prior to giving up a three-run homer to Jacksonville Suns’ outfielder Jake Marisnick Sunday evening.

The former Oregon State Beaver said “mentally I was a mess” and that he was “rushing a lot” while on the mound.

“I was getting really excited to throw the ball,” Rhoderick said, “and when I started staying back and realizing that I don’t have to be so fast, it really started working better.”

Inconsistencies in the right-hander’s mechanics contributed to a lack of fastball and breaking ball command, but bullpen sessions with Fassero helped correct those issues.

“I just kind of figured out something in my mechanics and started being more aggressive,” Rhoderick said. “Jeff’s been a big help with that and it’s just been fun this month.”

Tennessee will need their bullpen to stay sharp for run at the second-half North Division title and for a possible playoff appearance.

“Right now [the bullpen’s] been doing their job,” Fassero said. “If they continue, I think we’ll be fine.”

To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.  Nick Roark is a Broadcast & Media Assistant for the Smokies Radio Network.  You can follow him on Twitter here: NickRoark4.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2013 Smokies Feature

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | July 13, 2013 · 7:21 pm

VIDEO: Manager’s report with Buddy Bailey July 13

In this week’s edition of ‘The Manager’s Report’, Buddy Bailey discusses the progress of Arismendy Alcantara on his way to stardom. The arrival of Javier Baez has prompted great conversation that the Smokies veteran skipper acknowledges and discusses the Cubs’ top prospect and his time in East Tennessee so far.

To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Recap

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

by | · 2:55 pm

Game Preview: 7-13 @ Jackson

Kyle Hendricks looks to start a new winning streak after losing his last start. (Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover)

Kyle Hendricks looks to start a new winning streak after losing his last start. (Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover)

After their second doubleheader sweep in three days, the Tennessee Smokies (15-8, 49-43) look to win their fifth straight game against the Jackson Generals (10-13, 39-50) in Game 6 of their seven-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM from The Ballpark in Jackson.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: The Smokies have given themselves some breathing room in the North Division thanks to this four-game winning streak.  They lead Birmingham by three games and are 4.5 games ahead of Chattanooga.

TONIGHT’S STARTERS: 

Tennessee: Kyle Hendricks (8-3, 2.13 ERA): Kyle Hendricks will make his last start before he starts the Southern League All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 17.  He had his winning streak snapped in his last outing allowing two runs in five innings on July 8 against Huntsville.  Hendricks has absolutely baffled the Generals this season.  He is a perfect 3-0 and has not allowed a run in 23.2 innings.  His 2.13 ERA is tops in the Southern League. 

Jackson: James Gillheeney (3-3, 3.50 ERA): Gillheeney makes his 12th start of the season and third against the Smokies.  He is 0-2 in two starts with a 9.64 ERA in 9.1 innings.  Gillheeney has been strong though so far in the month of July.  He is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in two starts, but only went two innings in his last start in Pensacola on July 7.

LAST TIME OUT: It took extra innings in both contests, but the Smokies were able to sweep last night’s doubleheader.  Tennessee won Game 1 by the score of 2-0 in 10 innings thanks to an RBI single by Javier Baez and an error that allowed Arismendy Alcantara to score.  In Game 2, Baez homered in the 6th inning to tie the game at 1-1 and the Smokies took the lead in the 9th on an RBI double by Christian Villanueva.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: 

Christian Villanueva: Villanueva’s RBI double in the 9th inning of Game 2 gave the Smokies a 2-1 victory.  It also tied him with teammate Arismendy Alcantara for the most in the Southern League with 23.

Kevin Rhoderick: Rhoderick matched his season-high pitching three innings in Game 2 last night.  He also earned his first win of the season.

Tyler Burgoon: Burgoon took the loss in Game 2 last night allowing a run in two innings.  He has three losses against Tennessee already this season.

Michael Dowd: Dowd was responsible for the lone run that the Generals scored in the doubleheader yesterday with a solo home run in Game 2.  It was his first home run of the season.

KEY TO THE GAME: Even though the Smokies won both games of the doubleheader last night, they did so only scoring four combined runs.  Tennessee must get more production from their lineup and take walks when they can.

TUNE IN: The broadcast will be available on our flagship station, The Sports Animal WNML AM 990 and on FM 99.1 in Knoxville beginning at 6:45 ET with the Pilot & Oscar Mayer Pregame Show. You can also listen to the broadcast in its entirety on smokiesbaseball.com as well as the Smokies mobile app.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Preview

Tagged as ,

by | May 28, 2013 · 11:23 pm

Hendrick continues May success, Smokies defeat Barons, 3-2

Kyle Hendricks allowed two earned runs over 6.2 innings pitched and struck out six. Photo Courtesy: Matthew Shalbrack

Kyle Hendricks allowed two earned runs over 6.2 innings pitched and struck out six. Photo Courtesy: Matthew Shalbrack

Birmingham, AL. – The Tennessee Smokies defeated the Birmingham Barons Tuesday night 3-2 in front of an announced crowd of 5,152.  Smokies starter Kyle Hendricks (5-2) gave up six hits, struck out six, and allowed two earned runs in 6.2 innings pitched.  Tennessee improved to 27-23 while Birmingham fell to 32-19 on the season.

Barons’ designated hitter Andy Wilkins got the first run against Hendricks in the first inning as he drove in right fielder Trayce Thompson on a RBI double to center field. Hendricks then induced first baseman Dan Black into a 4-3 putout to escape further damage in the inning.

Barons’ starter Nestor Molina (0-1) was taken out of the game while warming up prior to the fourth inning after suffering an apparent hand injury.  Molina threw only 36 pitches, 24 of them for strikes, and allowed just one hit through three innings. Pitcher Kevin Vance came on in relief of Molina to begin the fourth inning.

Smokies designated hitter Arismendy Alcantara extended his eight game hitting streak to lead off the fourth as the switch hitter drilled a deep line drive to right center field for his eighth home run of the season.

Tennessee struck again in the fifth inning as right fielder Anthony Giansanti led off with a single off Vance.  Catcher Chad Noble then singled to right field to put runners at first and second before shortstop Elliot Soto hit an RBI bloop to shallow right field.  The Smokies then added another run in the top of the seventh inning, pushing the lead to 3-1.

Birmingham got a run back in the bottom half of the seventh after a Marcus Semien single to center field drove in catcher Mike Blanke, making the score 3-2.  Hendricks was then pulled as Smokies manager Buddy Bailey brought in right-hander Kevin Rhoderick.  Rhoderick retired Walker to end the inning.

Rhoderick returned to pitch the eighth inning, and after a groundout, two walks, and a pop up led to runners on first and second, Bailey brought on Frank Batista to finish the inning.   Batista pitched a scoreless ninth as well, earning his seventh save in as many attempts.

Tuesday night’s game was the first of a five game series against the Barons for Tennessee and also marked the first time the Smokies played in the brand new Regions Field.

Birmingham will host Tennessee tomorrow in the Rickwood Classic, played at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL.  Yeiper Castillo, 0-0 with a 1.50 ERA, will make his second appearance for the Smokies as Stephen McCray, 4-3 with a 3.12 ERA, will throw for Birmingham.  First pitch is set for 1:30 ET.

The broadcast will be available on ESPN 106.3 in Sevierville and WJFC 1480 in Jefferson City beginning at 1:30 p.m. You can also listen to the broadcast in it’s entirely on smokiesbaseball.com as well as the Smokies mobile app.  To listen online, click here. Mick Gillispie will have the first pitch at 1:30 from Rickwood Field.

AUDIO RECAP  SMOKIES  3  Barons  2

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Recap

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

by | June 6, 2012 · 12:58 pm

Smokies land four on Southern League All-Star team

Jim Adduci is one of four Smokies who were selected to the Southern League North Division All-Star Roster on Wednesday. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Adam Kline / Tennessee Smokies

KODAK, Tenn. – Four members of the 2012 Tennessee Smokies roster were named Wednesday by the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs to the 2012 Southern League All-Star Game.  Position players Jim Adduci and Justin Bour will join teammates Frank Batista and Kevin Rhoderick on the North Division roster at Smokies Park for the June 19th game.

Players selected for the Southern League All-Star teams are selected by a vote of Southern League field managers, radio broadcasters, general managers and print media.  The South Division roster will be announced tomorrow, June 7th.  Starting lineups for the North and South Divisions will be released on June 14th and 15th respectively.

Smokies outfielder Jim Adduci. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

Adduci, 27, will make his third appearance on an All-Star team, having being named to both the Florida State League’s mid-season and postseason teams in 2008.  This season with the Smokies, the outfielder leads the team, and is third in the league, with a .320 batting average (55 H/172 AB).  Adduci ranks second on the team in stolen bases (7) and fourth in RBIs (19).  The Evergreen Park, Ill. native was originally drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 42nd round of the 2004 draft, and was sent to the Chicago Cubs to complete the deal for RHP Todd Wellemeyer on September 14, 2006.

Smokies relief pitcher Frank Batista. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Batista, 23, is named to an All-Star team for the third time in his young career.  The right-handed reliever was named to the FSL mid-season and postseason squads in 2011.  This season, Batista has converted all seven of his save opportunities and carries a 1.23 ERA (2 ER/14.2 IP) in 13 appearances.  The Cubs named him as the organization’s minor league pitcher of the month for April.   Batista signed with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent in 2009.

Smokies first baseman / left fielder Justin Bour. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

Bour, 24, heads into the All-Star break as one of the Southern League’s big hitters.  His 43 RBIs leads the Southern League, and he is also tied for the team lead in home runs (6) and second in doubles (13).  Bour joined Batista on the 2011 FSL mid-season and postseason All-Star teams.  The Centreville, Va. native was drafted by the Cubs in the 25th round of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Smokies relief pitcher Kevin Rhoderick. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

Rhoderick, 23, is named to his first All-Star team in only his second season of professional baseball.  The right-handed reliever currently holds a 0.79 ERA (2 ER/22.2 IP) with six saves, and has not allowed an earned run since April 18 (12 appearances).  The Scottsdale, Ariz. native was drafted by the Cubs in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Leave a Comment

Filed under 2012 Southern League All-Star Game

Tagged as , , , ,

by | April 26, 2012 · 12:44 pm

Listen as Smokies aim to bounce back against Generals

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

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Tennessee Smokies will try to snap a two-game losing streak tonight in the second game of the series against the Jackson Generals at Pringles Park at 8:05 p.m. ET.

Last night the Generals came out on top 5-1, despite a 3-4 performance by Smokies outfielder Jim Adduci.

The Smokies will turn to right-hander Nick Struck on the mound tonight. This will be the fifth start of the year for Struck, who is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA this season. Starting for Jackson is left-hander James Paxton, who is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in 2012.

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

WHAT A RELIEF
Over their past three contests, the Smokies bullpen has allowed just one run in 13 innings of work. In their most recent series against Chattanooga (April 20-24), Tennessee’s bullpen surrendered just three runs in 22.1 frames. A Tennessee reliever has saved nine of the Smokies 10 wins this season. Frank Batista leads the league with five saves while Kevin Rhoderick has two and Alberto Cabrera and Marcus Hatley have one.

BEAR BITES
The Smokies have scored less than three runs in nine of 21 contests this season but are 8-4 when scoring at least three times. The Smokies have plated 68 runs in 21 outings (3.2 per game). Last season, they averaged five runs per contest while leading the league in batting with a .274 average. Elliot Soto is batting .344 (11-for-32) at Smokies Park compared to .147 (5-for-34) on the road. Jae-Hoon Ha went 9-for-21 with three doubles against the Lookouts in Tennessee’s most recent series. He entered the series hitless in his previous 18 at-bats after having a seven-game hitting streak snapped on April 14. Jim Adduci is 4-for-5 as a pinch hitter this season following Tuesday afternoon’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth against Chattanooga. Entering Thursday, Adduci has six hits in his last eight at-bats overall.

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-Meyer 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 and Generals April 26, 2012

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

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Preview

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

by | April 20, 2012 · 11:55 pm

Ridling’s RBI Single Lifts Smokies to 3-2 Win Friday Night

Rebel Ridling's RBI single lifted Tennessee to victory on Friday night. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Adam Kline / Tennessee Smokies

KODAK, Tenn. – Rebel Ridling’s RBI single in the seventh inning lifted the Tennessee Smokies to a 3-2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts Friday night at Smokies Park.  The win, in front of 4,019, improved the Smokies to 8-8 on the season.  Chattanooga fell to 7-9.

With the two teams deadlocked at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh and reliever Steven Ames (0-2) on the mound, Logan Watkins led off the inning with a double, and would advance to third on a single by Jae-Hoon Ha.  Two batters later, Ridling drove in Watkins with a single to left field, driving in his fourth run of the season.

Tennessee’s starter Brooks Raley was on top of his game Friday night, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning.

Chattanooga finally got to Raley in the top of the fifth.  J.T. Wise and Blake Smith led the inning off with back-to-back singles and both would come around to score on a Griff Erickson two-RBI double, to give the Lookouts a 2-0 lead.

The Smokies would narrow the lead in the bottom of the inning.  Nate Samson ripped an RBI ground-rule double to right-center to cut the deficit to 2-1, but with the bases loaded, Geison Aguasviva got pinch hitter Ty Wright to hit into an inning ending double play.

The Tennessee bats got right back to work in the sixth, after a Juan Apodaca single put Jonathan Mota in scoring position, Jim Adduci would drive him home with a pinch hit RBI single to tie up the ballgame.

Apodaca and Ha led Tennessee’s 13-hit output, each going 2-for-3 with one walk.

That would be all the Smokies pitching staff would need on this night.  Raley allowed two runs on three hits in six innings, walking one and striking out three.  Neither starter factoring into the decision, with Kevin Rhoderick (1-2) turning in 1.2 innings in relief to earn the win.  Alberto Cabrera walked the leadoff batter in the top of the ninth, but preserved the victory to notch his first save of the season.

The Smokies and Lookouts play Game 2 of the five-game set Saturday night at 6:15 p.m. at Smokies Park.  Right-hander Nick Struck (1-1, 2,65) will take the mound for Tennessee and will be opposed by righty Allen Webster (1-2, 4.70).  The first 2,000 fans into the gates will receive a free 2012 Smokies poster schedule, courtesy of Holiday Inn Express – Sevierville/Kodak, Windstream and VictorPrint.  For tickets and more information, fan can visit www.smokiesbaseball.com or call (865) 286-2300.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Recap

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by | · 3:39 pm

Listen as the Smokies open the Lookouts Homestand

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

After dropping four out of five against the Stars in Huntsville, the Tennessee Smokies return home to Smokies Park to host division rival Chattanooga for a five-game series beginning tonight at 7:15 p.m.

On the mound for the Smokies tonight is left-hander Brooks Raley (1-0, 2.70 ERA). He’ll be opposed by Chattanooga right-hander Chris Withrow (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

Here’s a look at the promotions coming up during this homestand at Smokies Park, direct from smokiesbaseball.com:

Kicking things off, Friday’s 7:15 game will bring fans another “Fireworks Friday” at Smokies Park, courtesy of Pepsi, Coors Light, Knoxville News Sentinel, WVLT-TV 8 and WIVK-FM.

Saturday’s 6:15 game will feature the 2012 Smokies poster schedule giveaway at Smokies Park. The first 2,000 fans in with paid admission will receive the poster schedule, courtesy of Holiday Inn Sevierville/Kodak, Windstream and Victor Print.

Prior to the Smokies’ 2:00 Sunday game, the Smokies players will be on the field from 12-1 and host the team’s annual Little League Clinic. All Little League players and coaches in uniform will get into the clinic and game to follow for free. Smokies Kids Club members will also get in for free. It’s also a U.S. Cellular Family FUNday, where fans can receive four Field Level tickets, four meal vouchers (hot dog, chips and small soda) and two kids zone wristbands for only $48.

Monday’s 7:15 game is all about value with $1 Hot dog Night and Church Bulletin Night, where fans get $2 off a walk-up ticket purchase (up to four tickets) by bringing in a Sunday church Bulletin to the Smokies ticket office.

On Tuesday, the Smokies will be playing at 11:30. Tuesday a Senior Day Game, presented by Health Spring.

Smokies tickets can be purchased at http://www.smokiesbaseball.com or at (865) 286-2300. Adult field level or bleacher seats are $10/$8. Child (12-and-under) and senior (55+) field level or bleacher seats are $9/$7. Fans buying tickets at least four hours before game time get $1 off each ticket.

Here are more notes on tonight’s opening game against Chattanooga, from the Smokies game notes compiled by Cody Chrusciel:

VOLUNTEER STATE SHOWDOWN
After dropping four of five contests in their most recent series at Huntsville (April 15-19), the Smokies return home to Kodak to open up a five-game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday night. The Smokies are 4-1 against Chattanooga in 2012 with the teams having met in the first series of the season at AT&T Field (April 5-9). Logan Watkins is batting .429 (9-for-21) against the Lookouts this season.

LAST TIME OUT
The Smokies erased an early 5-0 deficit, but fell short in a 9-7 loss at Huntsville in Thursday night’s series finale Aat Joe Davis Stadium. Tennessee trailed 5-0 after two innings, but managed to chip away and eventually tie the contest, 5-5, in the sixth. Huntsville took the lead for good in the seventh on a two-run double by Andy Gonzalez. Nate Samson finished the night 4-for-4 with a homer, two doubles, and three RBIs. Samson entered the night with three hits in 23 at-bats this season.

STREAKS AND TRENDS
Prior to striking out as a pinch hitter last night, Rebel Ridling had hit safely in five straight games. Over his past six contest, Ridling has raised his average 66 points (from .190 to .256). Since having his seven-game hitting streak snapped on Saturday, April 14, Jae-Hoon Ha is hitless in his last 18 at-bats. Elliot Soto has just one hit in his last 14 at-bats, but he’s struck out just twice over that stretch. Soto is batting .429 (6-for-14) at Smokies Park compared to .167 (5-for-30) on the road. Jonathan Mota went 4-for-8 with two doubles and three runs scored in Tennessee’s most recent series at Huntsville (April 15-19).

WHAT A RELIEF
A Tennessee reliever has saved each of the team’s seven wins this season. Frank Batista leads the league with five saves while Kevin Rhoderick has two.

STARTING STRONG
Despite sporting just a 3-2 record, Tennessee starting pitchers have turned in a 2.37 ERA and surrendered just 72 hits in 79.2 innings this year. Only once has a Smokies starter has allowed more than three earned runs in an outing.

WORTH NOTING
Over their past six games, 18 of Tennessee’s 42 hits have gone for extra bases. The Smokies have scored more than four runs in a contest just three times this season, but are 5-2 when scoring at least three times. The Smokies have plated 44 runs in 15 outings (2.9 per game). Last season, they averaged five runs per contest while leading the league in batting with a .274 average.

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-Meyer Pregame Show beginning at 7:30 p.m. on the Smokies Radio Network.

Tonight’s broadcast will air on the Smokies Radio Network’s affiliate station ESPN FM 106.3 in Sevierville plus the Smokies mobile app.  Click the link below to listen live online.

Listen Live to the Lookouts and Smokies April 20, 2012

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

Leave a Comment

Filed under Game Preview

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,