Rocket City Wins 4-1 To Clinch Series

MADISON, AL – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (41-38, 8-3) secured a series win against the Birmingham Barons (45-34, 4-7) on Friday night with a 4-1 win at Toyota Field.

Birmingham scored the game's first run as infielder Alsander Womack drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the second. Designated hitter Wilfred Veras scored from third after doubling then advancing on a wild pitch.

The Trash Pandas couldn’t crack Barons starting pitcher Riley Gowens who tossed five shutout innings in his Double-A debut. Rocket City would tie the game after his exit as outfielder Gustavo Campero hit a game-tying home run for his 11th on the year, retaking the team lead.

That helped Trash Pandas starting pitcher Caden Dana avoid a loss after he tossed six innings while allowing just one run and striking out nine batters.

Rocket City jumped in front in the seventh as outfielder Tucker Flint provided a run-scoring single against Barons reliever Chase Plymell (L, 0-1). Infielder Mac McCroskey added to the lead with a two-run single later in the inning to make it a 4-1 Trash Pandas lead.

The Trash Pandas held on for the win with two shutout innings of relief from Eric Torres (W, 4-1) and a scoreless ninth from Hayden Seig (S, 4). Those two and Dana combined for 15 strikeouts.

Rocket City and Birmingham will close the six-game series on Saturday with post-game fireworks sponsored by Avid Hotel. First pitch is set for 6:35 CT. Tickets start at $8 and are available at TPTix.com. Josh Caray will have the call on Talk Radio WZZN 97.7-2 FM HD-2, WAAY 31.6 The Grio and streaming on MiLB.TV, the MLB App, and Bally Live!

Probable Starters: Jack Kochanowicz (RCT) vs. Noah Schultz (BIR)