The Knoxville Smokies kicked off their last home series of the regular season with a resounding 12-3 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on September 1. This game was particularly special as the Smokies paid tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. A pink "9-5" was painted behind the batter's box at Covenant Health Park, and a pregame moment of silence was held to honor the "Queen of Country Music."
Smokies manager Lance Rymel expressed the team's sentiment, stating, "We won another one for Dolly, for sure," highlighting the emotional weight of the game. The tribute included a video of Parton performing her iconic song "I Will Always Love You," which resonated throughout the stadium during the match.
On the field, the Smokies' pitcher Kevin Valdez was impressive, retiring the first 11 batters he faced before allowing a four-pitch walk in the fourth inning. The Smokies took the lead in the bottom of the fourth when left fielder Carter Trice launched a three-run home run over the left field fence, marking the first runs of the game for Knoxville.
Despite the Lookouts narrowing the gap to a single run in the sixth inning, the Smokies responded decisively. Karson Simas hit a bases-clearing triple, extending the lead to 7-2. Rymel commented on the significance of this hit, saying, "I think that bases-clearing triple really kind of put the nail in the coffin." The Smokies continued to dominate in the eighth inning, scoring five runs, with right fielder Alex Ramirez contributing another bases-clearing hit.
Throughout the game, the Smokies demonstrated strong offensive prowess, drawing 11 walks, which tied their season high, and recording seven hits. Rymel noted the importance of maintaining discipline at the plate, stating, "We weren’t just giving up free, easy outs." This strategic approach allowed the Smokies to capitalize on their scoring opportunities effectively.
Karson Simas was named the player of the game, having reached base three times and making a pivotal impact with his triple. He reflected on the team's performance, saying, "It’s big. It gets the team morale going a little bit to know we can beat good teams like this." The Smokies' ability to execute under pressure was evident, as they loaded the bases twice and managed to clear them both times, a testament to their offensive execution.
As the Smokies celebrated their victory, they also looked ahead to the remaining games in the series. Knoxville is currently 1-0 in the series and has already secured a playoff spot by clinching the first-half title in the Southern League North. The Smokies are positioned at the top of their division with a record of 30-27 in the second half and 68-58 overall.
Upcoming promotions at Covenant Health Park include All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, and Fan Appreciation Night, ensuring an exciting atmosphere as the Smokies prepare for the playoffs. With their strong performance against the Lookouts, the Smokies are not only honoring Dolly Parton's legacy but also solidifying their place as a formidable contender in the Southern League.
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