Lugo strikes out eight, including seven in a row in relief
SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (26-26) snapped the Tennessee Smokies (20-31) five game winning streak with a 9-2 victory Saturday night at Smokies Stadium. The Trash Pandas jumped on the Smokies early, scoring five runs in the first.
After back-to-back one out singles in the top of the first, David MacKinnon hit a two-run double down the left field line to start the scoring. After a walk, Mitch Nay hit a three run home run off RHP Peyton Remy (L, 0-2) to left field to extend Rocket City’s lead to 5-0. In the fifth, Izzy Wilson hit a two-out, two-run home run off LHP Alex Katz.
The Smokies broke into the run column in the sixth when Brennen Davis hit a two-out RBI double off RHP Cooper Criswell (W, 6-3). In the eighth, Andy Weber hit an RBI single to cut the deficit to 7-2.
LHP Luis Lugo struck out the first seven Trash Pandas he faced before allowing a pair of unearned runs to score in the ninth. Lugo finished the game with eight strikeouts in three innings. Carlos Sepulveda finished 2-for-3 with a walk and a run, Tyler Payne singled and walked in the loss.
The Smokies and Trash Pandas conclude their series Sunday night at Smokies Stadium. First pitch between RHP Cam Sanders (1-3, 5.44) and RHP Davis Daniel (Double-A Debut) is scheduled for 7 PM. Fans can hear all Smokies games by going to https://www.milb.com/tennessee/fans/audio-listen-live.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Smokies Stadium, there will be an all exclusive two hour buffet running from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Yee-Haw at the Yard for just $25 Sunday. Following the game, there will be a patriotic themed fireworks show presented by Pepsi and Coors Light.
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES
The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the eight-team Double-A South League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America’s national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.
