KODAK - The Tennessee Smokies (41-50, 8-14) could not hold on late against the Mobile BayBears (37-52, 10-11) in a 5-3 loss on Friday night at Smokies Stadium. Both teams combined for four total home runs including a three-run shot by Christian Donahue. For the first time in the series Mobile grabbed
KODAK - The Tennessee Smokies (41-50, 8-14) could not hold on late against the Mobile BayBears (37-52, 10-11) in a 5-3 loss on Friday night at Smokies Stadium. Both teams combined for four total home runs including a three-run shot by Christian Donahue.
For the first time in the series Mobile grabbed a lead. Before fans had a chance to take their seats, Jo Adell launched his fifth home run of the season to leadoff the ballgame and give the BayBears an early 1-0 lead.
The Smokies responded quickly with a few fireworks of their own. With two runners on, It was Donahue who provided the power in the second inning with a sharp home run past the right field wall to make the score 3-1. It was Donahue's second blast of the season and the Smokies 36th in total.
BayBears starter RHP Andrew Wantz did not make it further than the second inning. The Smokies tallied three runs on four hits from eight batters in the frame to end his outing early.
In just his second start with Tennessee, RHP Jeffrey Passantino delivered another solid outing and left the game in line for the win. The 40th round selection by the Cubs in 2017 dealt five strikeouts in five innings and gave up just two runs on six hits in a no decision.
Adell was the gift that kept giving for the BayBears on their hunt to cut the deficit. He struck twice, first with an RBI-single in the fifth inning to score Julian Leon and tighten the score to 3-2. A few innings later, he delivered again to complete Mobile's comeback thanks to his second bomb of the game with a solo shot to right field. It was his third multi-home run game of his three year career.
Mobile secured the lead once again with their third home run of the night in the top of the ninth. It was Bo Way who delivered the go-ahead blast off RHP Jake Stinnett (L, 1-1) to plate two runs. RHP Joe Gatto (W, 4-3) grabbed the win out of the bullpen with two strong innings including two big back-to-back strikeouts to work out of an eighth inning jam. RHP Adam Hofacket (S, 6) followed in the ninth to pick up the save and seal a 5-3 win for the BayBears. With Nico Hoerner representing the winning run at the plate, a loud fly ball out turned into a game-ending double play at second base.
Game three between the Smokies and the BayBears is scheduled for Saturday night with a 7:00 PM ET first pitch. RHP Alex Lange (2-1, 3.52) makes his fifth start for the Smokies, while Mobile turns to RHP Tyler Carpenter (0-0, 2.93). Fans can enjoy 90's night at Smokies stadium featuring speciality jerseys, a fanny pack give away for the first 1,000 fans, and a post-game dance party.
