On April 11, the Knoxville Smokies achieved their first series win of the 2026 season by defeating the Rocket City Trash Pandas with a score of 4-3. The game saw a late rally from the Smokies, who scored their first run in the sixth inning due to a double-play groundout by Alex Ramirez. The Trash Pandas responded with a two-run home run by Mac McCroskey, taking a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth. However, Smokies' Devin Ortiz hit a solo home run, narrowing the gap to 3-2. In a thrilling finish, Ortiz secured the win with a sacrifice fly after Karson Simas' RBI single in the ninth inning. Smokies starter Grant Kipp delivered an impressive performance, striking out four batters and allowing just one hit over five innings. The Smokies now hold a 5-3 record, placing them second in the Southern League North, behind the Chattanooga Lookouts. They will conclude their series against the Trash Pandas on April 12 before heading to Pensacola for their first road series of the season.