The Smokies recorded just to hits Aug. 20 in their 4-1 loss to Montgomery and are now 23-23 since schedules reset for the second half of the season.
Casey Opitz stepped up to bat in the third inning, hoping to get the Knoxville Smokies out of an early two-run deficit. His bat connected with the ball, and he made his way to first base.
The Smokies wouldn't record another hit against the visiting Montgomery Biscuits until the ninth inning Aug. 20, when Pedro Ramirez's line-drive double to left field allowed Brett Bateman to score Knoxville’s only run in their 4-1 loss at Covenant Health Park.
Knoxville struggled all night to find offensive movement, only reaching base seven times. Five of those times were walks, including two in the ninth inning.
Biscuits reliever Jack Hartman gave up one and two walks without striking out a batter in the ninth before being replaced by closer Derick Eddington.
The Biscuits (23-23 in the second half) continued building momentum throughout the game, scoring in four different innings and recording nine hits throughout the night.
Knoxville Smokies' player of the game: Pedro Ramirez
In a game where positives were hard to come by for the Smokies, Pedro Ramirez tried to give his team a chance to come back in the ninth inning with an RBI. But it was too late, and the team couldn't build on the brief spark from Ramirez. The third baseman saved the Smokies from being shut out for what would have been the seventh time this season.
Knoxville Smokies standings in Southern League North
The loss dropped the Smokies to 23-23 in the second half of the season (55-59 overall). Knoxville is in third place in the Southern League North Division, 8.5 games behind the Birmingham Barons.
Upcoming games, promotions for the Knoxville Smokies
The Smokies will take the field at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 for Game 3 of their series against the Biscuits at Covenant Health Park.
The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a mini Titans football.
- Friday, Aug. 22: Family Game Night, fireworks
- Saturday, Aug. 23: Tennessee Night, fireworks, Dylan Sampson bobblehead giveaway (first 2,000 fans)
- Sunday, Aug. 24: Teach Knox Day (teachers get in free with ID)
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers Covenant Health Park for the business growth and development team. Email: [email protected]; Instagram: @knoxeat65.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville Smokies get just two hits in 4-1 loss to Montgomery Biscuits
Category: General Sports
