Knoxville Wins Series with Rojas Power
A Pitching Masterclass and Clutch Hitting Secure the Win
The Knoxville Smokies closed out a pivotal four-game series against the Birmingham Barons in style, securing a 7-4 victory that locked up the series. The win was powered by a stellar outing from starter Brooks Caple, who delivered five strong innings, keeping Birmingham’s bats in check. Offensively, Jefferson Rojas and Owen Ayers led the charge, each tallying multiple hits and combining for four of the team’s eight total hits.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game began with a bang, as Hayden Cantrelle drilled a two-run double in the first inning, staking Knoxville to a 2-0 lead. Birmingham responded in the third, when Wilfred Veras launched a two-run homer to tie the game, followed by an RBI double from Colby Shelton that put the Barons ahead, 3-2.
Rojas quickly answered, crushing his third homer in two days in the fifth inning to reclaim the lead, 4-3. Trice added a single in the sixth, extending the margin to 5-3.
Late-Inning Drama Seals the Deal
The seventh inning saw both teams exchange runs. Jordan Sprinkle plated a sacrifice fly for Birmingham, tying the game at 5-5. But Knoxville wasn’t done—Rojas struck again with a triple, followed by an RBI single from Ayers to make it 7-5. The Smokies held on, preserving the lead until the final out.
Rojas’ performance over the six-game stretch against Birmingham was nothing short of spectacular: 2-for-4 with a homer and a triple in the finale, capping a week where he batted .400.
Manager Praises the Team’s Grit
Knoxville’s skipper, Lance Rymel, lauded his team’s resilience, emphasizing their never-say-die attitude and relentless focus on scoring. The win propelled the Smokies into first place in the Southern League North with a 30-26 record, tied atop the standings with Chattanooga.
Next Up: A Tough Road Trip and Home Stand
The Smokies now turn their attention to a road trip against the Montgomery Biscuits from June 9-14, followed by a return to Covenant Health Park for a series against the Lookouts from June 16-21. Fans can look forward to a host of promotions, including:
- Taco & Buffet Nights
- Draft Beer Specials
- Family-Friendly Events
Stay tuned—it’s shaping up to be an exciting stretch for the Smokies!
