Conner Myers key to Smokies win
MYERS DELIVERS IN SEVENTH, SMOKIES WIN BIG SATURDAY
Sanders strikes out seven in Smokies victory
SEVIERVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Smokies (7-9) took down the Biloxi Shuckers (7-10) 7-2 Saturday night at Smokies Stadium. Connor Myers broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh with a two-run double down the right field line. The Smokies broke the game open with four runs in the eighth.
The Smokies got the scoring started in the second. Andy Weber doubled with one out, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on Grayson Byrd’s RBI double.
RHP Cam Sanders did not factor in the decision Saturday. He allowed just two hits and a run in five innings with seven strikeouts. After four no-hit innings, the Shuckers hit two singles and scored on Tyler Friis’s sacrifice fly in the fifth.
Back-to-back walks to Byrd and Nelson Maldonado extended the seventh. Both scored on Myers’s go-ahead double to put the Smokies up 3-1. After Mitch Longo’s solo home run in the eighth, the Smokies broke the game open with four in the eighth. Vance Vizcaino and Maldonado both hit RBI singles, while Christopher Morel and Byrd hit sacrifice flies.
RHP Dakota Mekkes (W, 1-0) earned the win in relief, he struck out three and did not allow a run in two innings. RHP Ethan Roberts struck out three in the eighth, and RHP Manuel Rodriguez pitched a scoreless ninth. Grayson Byrd went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two RBI. Weber also had two hits and scored two runs.
The Smokies can win the series with a win over the Biloxi Shuckers Sunday afternoon at Smokies Stadium. First pitch between RHP Matt Swarmer (0-0, 3.75) and RHP Noah Zavolas (0-1, 5.59) is scheduled for 2 PM. Fans can hear all Smokies games by going to https://www.milb.com/tennessee/fans/audio-listen-live.
Sunday is Salute to Front Line Workers Day presented by Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Tennessee. Front Line Health Care Workers will receive free tickets and be honored throughout the game. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online, over the phone, or by visiting our box office.
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.
