The Knoxville Smokies fell behind in the opening frame Aug. 16 but bounced back, fending off a late rally from the Rocket City Trash Pandas for a 5-4 win at Covenant Health Park.
Sunday marked the fifth consecutive victory for the Smokies in their series with the Trash Pandas. Overcoming a deficit in each win, Knoxville took the six-game series 5-1.
"We do a good job of answering back right away, getting ourselves back in the ball game," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. "When we get behind, it's no panic."
Smokies starter Kevin Valdez delivered a productive six-inning outing. In 74 pitches, he recorded six strikeouts while allowing four hits and two walks. Rocket City put two runs across the plate against him, including a fourth-inning home run by Jake Munroe that tied the game at 2.
Center fielder Kane Kepley answered in the fourth inning with a home run of his own – his first at Covenant Health Park – to give the Smokies a 5-2 lead. Kepley finished with three hits in the leadoff spot, and Drew Bowser added three of his own.
Rocket City threatened Knoxville in the ninth inning with a two-run blast by Jacob Cozart, but Vince Reilly battled to pick up the save and give the Smokies a commanding second-half lead in the Southern League North standings.
Smokies player of the game, top moments: Sunday, Aug. 16Player of the game: Kane Kepley has only played nine games in Double-A, sporting a 1.075 OPS in the leadoff spot. His three-hit performance Sunday, including a home run to right field, showed his ability to make a difference for the playoff-bound Smokies. "I'm feeling like I'm getting in a groove," Kepley told Knox News. "Just happy to be where I'm at."
- Pre-pitch maintenance: As Smokies right-handed pitcher Kevin Valdez warmed up to start the game, he called for the grounds crew to fix the landing spot on the mound.
- Pitching that dominates: The Smokies' starting pitchers allowed just six runs in the series across 31.1 innings. The only game Knoxville lost was Edward Cabrera's no-hit rehab start Tuesday.
Knoxville hits the road for a beach trip to Pensacola, followed by a series at Biloxi before returning home. Here are the promotions at Covenant Health Park when the Smokies return Sept. 1 to face Chattanooga.
- 7 p.m. Sept. 1: Taco Tuesday (all-you-can-eat taco buffet for $19.99 presale or $24.99 day of game)
- 7 p.m. Sept. 2: All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday (buffet available for $29 in advance or $34 day of game)
- 7 p.m. Sept. 3: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), Knox Vegas (themed jerseys), College Night ($10 tickets for college students)
- 7 p.m. Sept. 4: Chick-fil-A Friday (two tickets and two coupons for $48), Feel-Good Friday, Knoxville Ice Bears Night in collaboration with Vols of Honor
- 7 p.m. Sept. 5: Fan Appreciation Night, Summer Fireworks Series
- 2 p.m. Sept. 6: No promotions scheduled
The Smokies have already clinched a playoff spot by capturing the first-half title and are in first place in the Southern League North.
Southern League North standings
- Knoxville Smokies (24-20 second half, 63-51 overall)
- Rocket City Trash Pandas (22-22 second half, 57-56 overall)
- Birmingham Barons (20-24 second half, 46-67 overall)
- Chattanooga Lookouts (15-29 second half, 52-61 overall)
Southern League South standings
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos (28-16 second half, 64-49 overall)
- Montgomery Biscuits (24-20 second half, 59-54 overall)
- Columbus Clingstones (23-21 second half, 52-56 overall)
- Biloxi Shuckers (20-24 second half, 55-54 overall)
** Records reflect the standings as of 5 p.m. Aug. 16.
Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: trevor.mcgee@knoxnews.com; X: @TrevorMcGee12
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokies dominate Trash Pandas series with fifth consecutive win Sunday
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