Tennessee Smokies Pound West Tenn Diamond Jaxx 12-5 - AA, Southern League

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - Jackson, TN- The Tennessee Smokies (32-45, 5-2) tallied a season high 21 hits on route to blowing out the North Division first half champion West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (44-33, 3-4) at Pringles Park.

Tennessee would strike first to take a second inning 3-0 lead. Jake Fox, Matt Craig and Doug Deeds all singled to load the bases with no out. Welington Castillo then dropped another base hit in centerfield scoring Fox. Sam Fuld with two out singled home Craig and Deeds.

West Tenn answered Tennessee in the bottom of the second inning. Adam Moore and Greg Halman singled off the Smokies starter Esmailin Caridad. Matt Mangini grounded a three-two, two-out pitch passed thirdbase scoring one to make the score 3-1.

The Diamond Jaxx would tie it at three in the bottom of the third. Luis Valbuena singled on a three-two, two-out pitch and Mike Wilson then lined a homerun to left on another three-two, two out pitch. The Homerun was Wilson sixteenth of the year good for second most in the Southern League.

Sam Fuld then put the Smokies ahead again in the fourth. He lined shot to right field with the base loaded which Mike Wilson made a great diving catch on. Spears tagged from third and scored but Lansford was doubled up at first. The Smokies would score a second unearned run and led 5-3.

Doug Deed delivered a big blow in the fifth which helped run the score to 8-3. He tripled home Fox and Craig then scored on a Spears single.

Greg Halman smashed a two-run homer to left in the bottom of the sixth off reliever Ed Campusano which brought West Tenn back to with in three at 8-5.

Matt Craig was 4-for-5 on the night and would drive home two in the ninth on his second double. Welington Castillo helped bring home Craig with a homerun.

Esmailin Caridad (1-0) recorded his first win pitching 5 innings in the start. He allowed just six hits and three runs with no walks and six strikeouts.

Josa Ceda (S-2) recorded his second save as the teams closer. Ceda would pitch 2 innings allowing one hit and a walk while fanning four.

The Smokies continue their series Wednesday afternoon in Jackson, TN. Lefthander James Russell (2-2) will start against the Diamond Jaxx. Tennessee is back at Smokies Park on Monday, June 30th to play the Milwaukee Brewers affiliate Huntsville Stars. Tickets are available by calling 286-2300 or online at smokiesonradio.com

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