Five-run seventh helps BayBears pull away from Smokies

KODAK, Tenn. (July 16, 2019) - The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, grabbed a lead in the sixth inning and used a five-run seventh to defeat Tennessee Smokies 8-3 in the series finale Tuesday at Smokies Stadium.
After Erick Salcedo gave the BayBears a 3-2 advantage with a two-run single in the sixth, Mobile (40-53 overall, 13-12 second half) plated five two-out runs in the seventh. Julian Leon hit a grand slam to cap the scoring in the frame. It was the second grand slam for the BayBears this season.
Zack Kelly (2-5) earned the win with a quality start. He allowed just two runs, one earned, in six innings pitched and matched his career-high with seven strikeouts.
Connor Justus led the BayBears at the plate with three hits. Jo Adell went 2-for-5 with a game-tying RBI single in the third.
Erick Leal (1-1) took the loss for Tennessee, despite striking out eight batters in 5 2/3 innings.
The BayBears begin a four-game home series against the Biloxi Shuckers Thursday at 6:35 p.m. Right-handed pitcher Andrew Wantz (0-1, 4.78 ERA) is scheduled to make the start against righty Drew Rasmussen (1-2, 3.89 ERA) for the Smokies. Live coverage can be seen on MiLB.tv (subscription required, promo code: BAYBEARS) and heard on MobileBayBears.com, the TuneIn app, and the MiLB First Pitch app, with the Countdown to First Pitch starting at 6:15 p.m.
The BayBears host a total of 70 home dates through Labor Day, September 2. The new BayBears Pass is available, featuring a general admission ticket to every BayBears game at Hank Aaron Stadium for only $19.97 per month. Season ticket packages and partial plans are also available, featuring a 7-game plan and a 12-game option to guarantee bobbleheads and receive tickets to select fireworks nights. Individual game tickets can be purchased online at MobileBayBears.com or by calling 251-572-BEAR (2327).
About the Mobile BayBears
The Mobile BayBears are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their games at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The BayBears were founded in 1997 and have won four Southern League titles in 1998, 2004, 2011, and 2012. Additionally, the 1998 and 2011 championship squads were named Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America. More than 175 former BayBears have reached the Major League level, including All-Stars Max Scherzer, Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Peavy, Carlos González, and Justin Upton. For more information on the Mobile BayBears and Hank Aaron Stadium, please visit MobileBayBears.com, call (251) 572-BEAR (2327), or contact Steve Goldberg via email at [email protected].
###