Montgomery Biscuits Hang On For 5-4 Win Over Tennessee Smokies

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Blake Lalli launched a grand slam in the bottom of the fourth inning, but it was not enough for the Tennessee Smokies to overcome a five run deficit as they dropped a 5-4 decision to the Montgomery Biscuits. The Smokies dropped to 19-14 for the second half of the season in front of 3,660 fans.

Tennessee dug themselves an early hole as Montgomery battered starting pitcher James Russell (4-6) in the first two innings. Russell allowed four runs off three hits in the first inning alone, with the biggest damage coming from a Gaby Martinez two-RBI single. A couple of key fielding errors by the Smokies opened the door for another run to score in the second inning, as Montgomery jumped out to an early 5-0 lead.

The Smokies fought back in the bottom half of the fourth inning to get back in the game. Doug Deeds cracked a double down the right field line to begin the frame off Biscuits starter Jeremy Hellickson (1-3). Jake Fox was then hit by a pitch, and moved to second on an infield bunt single by Tyler Colvin, who hustled to beat out the throw. With one out, Lalli smashed a 2-2 pitch over the right field fence and out of the stadium for a grand slam. Lalli’s third home run since joining the Smokies pulled Tennessee to within 5-4.

Your Ad Here

The game turned into a pitchers duel after the fourth inning, with both bullpens contributing with sterling performances. Rocky Roquet came on in the sixth to throw 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four Biscuit batters. Casey Lambert then came on in relief of Roquet for 1 1/3 scoreless innings of his own, fanning three batters.

But the Biscuits bullpen was equally up to the task, shutting out the Smokies for the final five innings of the game. The Smokies did have several significant scoring opportunities, as they stranded eleven runners on base for the night. In the bottom of the ninth with two out and runners on second and third, Welington Castillo flied out to right field to end the threat and the game for the Smokies.

Lalli went three for four on the night driving in all four Smokies runs on the night, with Deeds and Sam Fuld each collecting two hits apiece.

Tennessee will try to exact some revenge on Montgomery on Friday night at Smokies Park with game time set at 7:15 pm. Tennessee will send left-hander Donnie Veal (4-7, 3.63) to the mound tomorrow night to face off against Montgomery left-hander Mike Prochaska (2-3, 4.93). The five-game series will continue through Saturday July 26th, with all game times set for 7:15 pm.

If you like the daily news of the Raw Feed, SUBSCRIBE TODAY to the nation's only alternative professional sports magazine, SZ, with original features and great action photography in baseball, hockey, basketball, and football. Just $11.99 per year for an e-zine like you’ve never seen!