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.
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.
The Lookouts wasted no time in the new season, getting on the scoreboard by sending eight to the plate in the first inning and jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Edwin Arroyo singled to start the season and was joined on the bases by Sal Stewart, who was hit by a George Klassen (L, 0-1) pitch, and Ruben Ibarra, who followed with a single to load the bases. Hector Rodriguez took advantage and blooped a single to left, scoring two.
Chattanooga created separation in the third inning by sending ten batters to the plate and scoring four more runs to lead 6-0, capped by an Ibarra two-run home run to left.
In Klassen’s first start of 2025, he allowed six earned runs on seven hits over 2.1 innings, walking two and striking out two.
Jay Allen II and Michael Trautwein hit RBI doubles in the fourth inning, capitalizing on two walks from reliever Ryan Costeiu to extend the lead to 9-0. Costeiu provided the Trash Pandas some innings on Friday night, covering 3.0 innings, striking out three, walking three, and throwing 56 pitches.
Myles Emmerson notched the first hit for Rocket City with a leadoff double in the third inning and provided the first run of the new season in the bottom of the fifth. The 26-year-old catcher launched a Jose Acuna (W, 1-0) pitch over the left-field wall for his second career home run with Rocket City, making it 9-1. That would be the final tally of the night.
Acuna, returning for his second season to Chattanooga, yielded just one run on two hits over 5.0 innings, walking three and striking out three. Rocket City relievers Jared Southard and Kelvin Cáceres combined for 3.0 shutout innings on three hits to close the game.
The Trash Pandas and Lookouts meet again on Saturday night at Toyota Field for game two of the three-game series. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The Trash Pandas will send hard-throwing RHP Walbert Urena (0-0, --) to the mound and face Chattanooga RHP Kevin Abel.
Saturday’s Promotions
- Saturday Night Fireworks: For the second-straight night, Fireworks will explode over Toyota Field at the end of the game, presented by WOW!
- License Plate Frame Giveaway: The first 1,000 adults, 18 years or older, will receive a Trash Pandas License Plate Frame, presented by WOW!
The Trash Pandas open their fifth season at Toyota Field against the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday. Tickets are available starting at just $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com. Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1. Fans can book their group outings for the 2025 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or by calling the group sales department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2. 20-game mini-plans are also available at tptix.com.
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 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
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his