Smokies Secure First Series Win of 2026 Against Trash Pandas
Smokies walk it off vs. Trash Pandas, clinching first series win of 2026
Yahoo! NewsImage: Yahoo! News
The Knoxville Smokies clinched their first series win of the 2026 season with a dramatic victory over the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 11. Key performances included Devin Ortiz's game-winning sacrifice fly, leading to a final score of 4-3, as the Smokies improved their record to 5-3 in the Southern League North.
- 01Devin Ortiz had two RBIs, including the game-winning sacrifice fly.
- 02Smokies pitcher Grant Kipp struck out four batters and allowed only one hit in five innings.
- 03Knoxville leads the series against Rocket City 4-1.
- 04The Smokies are currently in second place in the Southern League North.
- 05Upcoming games include a road series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
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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.
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The Smokies' victory boosts local morale and excitement for the upcoming games, especially as they prepare for their first road trip of the season.
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