Six-run sixth inning decides Smokies-Shuckers for third night straight

[ASFN Admin]

For the third night in a row, Knoxville Smokies fans at Covenant Health Park witnessed a six-run sixth inning that decided the game.

But it was the Smokies in the losing column for the first time all series July 9, with a sixth-inning grand slam by Jesus Made helping push the Biloxi Shuckers to an 11-2 victory.

The Smokies issued 14 walks and allowed 12 hits in the game, relying on four relievers after starter Nick Dean exited the game with discomfort in the second inning.

"Not enough competitive pitches over the plate," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. "Sometimes it happens like that."

Smokies player of the game, top moments: Thursday, July 9​

• Back at 'em: An audible gasp came from the crowd when right fielder Alex Ramirez sent a liner directly into the glove of Shuckers pitcher Jaron DeBerry in the bottom of the fourth inning.
• How'd he catch that?: Smokies shortstop Ed Howard chased a blooper into shallow center field and made the catch on a bobble in his throwing hand for the first out of the fourth inning.
• Player of the game: Two of the Smokies' four hits came from Ed Howard, including a solo home run in the eighth inning. "It definitely gives us a boost for tomorrow," Rymel said. "Seeing one of our guys do that - somebody that plays two or three times a week, comes out, hits a ball like that − he's definitely going to be in (the lineup) tomorrow because of it."

Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park​

Knoxville will face Biloxi three more times this week at Covenant Health Park. Here are the remaining promotions while the Shuckers are in town:

• 7 p.m. July 10: Summer Fireworks Series, Chick-fil-A Friday (two tickets and two coupons for $48), Feel-Good Friday
• 7 p.m. July 11: Mascot on the Shelf Giveaway (first 1,000 fans receive mascot on the shelf), Christmas in July (themed jerseys), Summer Fireworks Series
• 2 p.m. July 12: No promotions scheduled

Knoxville Smokies record in Southern League North​

The Smokies have already clinched a playoff spot by capturing the first-half title and continue to lead the Southern League North in the second half.

1. Knoxville Smokies (10-5 second half, 48-36 overall)
2. Rocket City Trash Pandas (8-7 second half, 43-40 overall)
3. Chattanooga Lookouts (6-9 second half, 43-41 overall)
4. Birmingham Barons (5-9 second half, 31-52 overall)

Southern League South standings

1. Pensacola Blue Wahoos (9-6 second half, 45-39 overall)
2. Biloxi Shuckers (9-6 second half, 44-36 overall)
3. Columbus Clingstones (8-6 second half, 37-41 overall)
4. Montgomery Biscuits (4-11 second half, 39-45 overall)

Records reflect the standings as of 10:30 p.m. July 9.Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: [email protected]; X: @TrevorMcGee12

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Six-run sixth inning decides Smokies-Shuckers for third night straight

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