Trash Pandas Drop Slugfest with Smokies, 12-8
MADISON, Alabama – In a game filled with home runs from both sides, the Rocket Trash Pandas couldn't finish the comeback in 12-8 loss to the Tennessee Smokies at Toyota Field in the second game of their six-game series at Toyota Field. Rocket City began the ballgame in fine form
MADISON, Alabama – In a game filled with home runs from both sides, the Rocket Trash Pandas couldn't finish the comeback in 12-8 loss to the Tennessee Smokies at Toyota Field in the second game of their six-game series at Toyota Field.
Rocket City began the ballgame in fine form as starter Aaron Hernandez set the Smokies down in order with a pair of strikeouts and a fly out in the top of the first. David MacKinnon got the scoring started in the bottom half with a three-run homer 393 feet to left for his eighth big fly of the season.
But the Smokies rallied for three runs, capped by an RBI single from Edwin Figuera, to tie the game in the second off Hernandez (L, 2-3). An inning later, two-run home runs from Brennen Davis and Christopher Morel gave the Smokies a 7-3 edge.
The Trash Pandas cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the frame. Brendon Davis and Orlando Martinez lined back-to-back doubles to plate the first run and Dalton Pompey looped a two-out single to center to score Martinez and make it a 7-5 game.
However, the Smokies pulled away in the fourth with Brennen Davis’ second home run of the game, a three-run shot down the left field line to put the Smokies into double digits off Hernandez.
Hernandez took the loss after giving up 10 runs, all earned, on seven hits with four walks over 4.0 innings. Kieran Lovegrove was first out of the bullpen for the Trash Pandas and pitched 2.0 scoreless. Adrian Almeida pitched 2.0 clean innings of his own to keep the Smokies at 10 runs.
Rocket City fought back late, as a solo homer from Brendon Davis in the seventh and a two-run shot from Torii Hunter Jr. in the eighth made it a two-run game at 10-8. Brendon Davis returned to the plate as the tying run in the eighth and nearly tied the game. But his fly ball fell just short and was caught on the warning track to end the inning.
Tennessee scored two more runs off Connor Higgins in the ninth to put the game away for good.
In his second game with Rocket City, Brendon Davis went 3-for-5 with a single, double, home run, and three runs scored. He has homered in both games since joining the Trash Pandas on July 20. Martinez and Hunter each added a pair of hits in the defeat. With three home runs, the Trash Pandas have now hit 101 for the season, becoming the first Double-A team to pass 100 on the year.
Morel and Brennen Davis each hit two home runs for Tennessee in the win.
The Trash Pandas (32-34) continue their series with the Tennessee Smokies (28-36) on Thursday night. First pitch at Toyota Field is set for 6:35 p.m. Josh Caray will be on the call for 103.9 FM THE UMP and 730 AM SportsRadio. The game will also be televised locally on WAAY-31.6, This TV.
Trash Pandas pitching strikes out 17 in Saturday loss to Smokies
MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City Trash Pandas' pitchers struck out 17 batters on Saturday night but lost game five of their six-game series against the Knoxville Smokies, 5-1, at Toyota Field. For the second time in the series, Rocket City was held hitless for the first six innings and managed
Guzman, Trash Pandas rally back to win Friday's nightcap, split doubleheader with Smokies
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Knoxville Smokies split a Friday night doubleheader in front of 4,945 fans at Toyota Field. The Trash Pandas rallied from a five-run deficit to win the second game 7-6 after the Smokies took the first game 4-0. Similar to their
Trash Pandas and Smokies postponed by rain on Thursday night
MADISON, Ala. – Tonight's scheduled 6:35 pm game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Knoxville Smokies has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a Friday, April 11 doubleheader at Toyota Field featuring two seven-inning games, with game one starting at 4:05
Cole Fontenelle hits for the first cycle in Trash Pandas history in 4-3 win
MADISON, Ala. – Cole Fontenelle hit for the first cycle in Rocket City Trash Pandas history in Tuesday night’s 4-3 win over the Knoxville Smokies at Toyota Field. The 23-year-old from Sammamish, WA, entered his at-bat in the bottom of the eighth needing a double for the cycle, and on
Homestand Highlights - April 8-13 vs. Knoxville Smokies
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas continue their nine-game homestand on Tuesday night with six games against the newly renamed Knoxville Smokies at Toyota Field. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the following highlights: Tuesday, April 8 | First Pitch: 6:05 pm | Gates Open: 5:00
Former Trash Panda pitcher Michael Darrell Hicks "Launched to the League"
MADISON, Ala. – Former Trash Pandas pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks had his contract selected by the Angels on Sunday and would become the 37th Rocket City player to make his major league debut. Darrell-Hicks was 6-4 with a 1.73 ERA over 30 relief outings in 2024 for the Trash Pandas, earning
Trash Pandas and Lookouts postponed on Sunday afternoon
MADISON, Ala. – Sunday’s scheduled 2:35 pm game between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Chattanooga Lookouts has been postponed due to field conditions and the potential threat of more inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader when Chattanooga returns to Toyota Field from
Guzman's walk-off homer in ninth completes comeback for Rocket City on Saturday
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas erased a six-run deficit on Saturday night and got a three-run walk-off home run from Denzer Guzman in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 8-6 at Toyota Field. No stranger to Toyota Field magic, Guzman's walk-off blast was
Trash Pandas welcome 6,597 fans on opening night, fall 9-1
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas opened their fifth season on Friday night, welcoming 6,597 fans to Toyota Field – the largest opening night crowd for the club since their inaugural home game on May 11, 2021. The Chattanooga Lookouts knocked off Rocket City 9-1 on the field.
Trash Pandas Homestand Highlights: April 4-6 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas 2025 season begins at 6:35 pm on Friday, April 4, with a three-game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts, Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, that runs through Sunday, April 6, at Toyota Field. The homestand features a promotional lineup that includes the
Trash Pandas unveil initial 2025 Opening Day Roster
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas, Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, are excited to announce the initial roster for the 2025 season. The fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field will include 22 players who have previously played for the Trash Pandas and 11 players ranked
Trash Pandas launch new offerings for fans in 2025
MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the addition of new delicious food items, new interactive options for fans to participate in the action at Toyota Field, and improved access to the ballpark for the fifth season of Trash Pandas baseball. “We’re super excited to
Hiroshi "Morris" Morioka joins Trash Pandas staff as Senior Manager of Promotions and Entertainment
MADISON, Ala – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the addition of Hiroshi "Morris" Morioka as the club's Senior Manager of Promotions and Entertainment for the 2025 season. Originally from Okayama, Japan, Morris brings over a decade of unique experience gained from working with professional basketball and
Toyota Field To Host Spring Tune-Up Car Show & Classic Car Day
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce two upcoming events for automotive enthusiasts at Toyota Field. Classic Car Day is on April 27, and the Rocket City Spring Tune-Up is on May 3. Classic Car Day will be Sunday, April 27, at 2:35 pm as
14 Trash Pandas, plus broadcaster Josh Caray preparing for Angels Spring Break out game against Cubs on Saturday
Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced on MLB Network the Los Angeles Angels roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with 14 Rocket City Trash Pandas named to the roster. The Angels’ top prospects will compete on Saturday, March 15 at 8:05 pm CT against the top prospects
Trash Pandas partner with Angels to launch "Trash Panda For a Day Program"
MADISON, Ala. — The Trash Panda For a Day program is launching this season in partnership with the LA Angels and with an exciting initiative to support youth in the community. Each month, one elementary or middle school student will have the opportunity to spend a day with the Trash
Harris to join Trash Pandas Broadcast Team for 2025
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are pleased to announce the addition of Southern League veteran Chris Harris to its broadcast booth. The two-time winner of the Southern League’s Broadcaster of the Year will partner with Director of Broadcasting Josh Caray for the 2025 season. “I am thrilled
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
MADISON, Alabama — In conjunction with the Los Angeles Angels, the Rocket City Trash Pandas today unveiled the 2025 on-field coaching staff, led by returning Manager Andy Schatzley. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to return to the Trash Pandas and be a part of best-run affiliate in Minor League
Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner on April 1
MADISON, Ala. — Exciting news! You can now grab your chance to meet the 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas before Opening Night. Tickets for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner are officially on sale! The annual dinner will take place at Toyota Field on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes