Tennesse Nips Carolina in Ninth, 8-7
July 23, 2007 - Southern League (SL1)
Carolina Mudcats News Release
Sevierville, TN --- Pinch-hitter Joe Simokaitis hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the last of the ninth to lift Tennessee past Carolina 8-7 in the series opener at Smokies Park on Monday night.
Simokaitis, batting for Chris Robinson, hit the second pitch from new pitcher Chris Mobley to deep centerfield, scoring Casey McGehee from third base as the Smokies snapped a five-game losing streak. Mobley entered the game with the bases loaded and one out and the game tied at 7. Losing pitcher Matt Yourkin (L, 1-1) began the inning by deflecting a grounder by McGehee off of his bare hand, slowing up the roller for second baseman Chase Lambin to attempt a throw at first, but the throw was high and bounced over the railing of the Tennessee dugout, allowing McGehee to take second. After an intentional walk, Tyler Colvin sacrificed the runners to second and third before another intentional walk issued by Yourkin.
After Tennessee (14-17) took a 1-0 lead in the second against starting pitcher Chris Seddon on a home run by Matt Craig, Carolina (15-16) scored five unearned runs against Donnie Veal in the third, highlighted by Lee Mitchell's 19th home run, an opposite-field three-run homer that just eluded Colvin's leaping effort in right field.
The Smokies chipped away at Seddon with another solo homer in the third by McGehee, then knocked Seddon from the game on a five-run, six-hit fourth inning.
Trailing 7-5 in the fifth, the Mudcats built a game-tying rally with two outs against reliever Grant Johnson. Lambin walked with two out and was doubled to third by Mitchell. Grant Psomas followed with a grounder to short, on which Robinson Chirinos skipped the throw toward Craig at first base, bounding away for a two-run error.
The Mudcats managed just five hits in the game, and all seven runs scored were unearned.
Carolina remains four games behind first-place Huntsville, whose franchise-record 12-game winning streak was snapped in Jacksonville on Monday night. Gaby Hernandez (6-8, 3.38) starts against Mike Nannini in the series' second game Tuesday night at 7:15 PM ET.
• Discuss this story on the Southern League message board...
Southern League Stories from July 23, 2007
- BayBears Rally to Top Biscuits, 7-3 - Montgomery Biscuits
- BayBears Snap Losing Streak with 7-3 Win - Mobile BayBears
- Jaxx Rally Past Barons - Jackson Generals
- Smokies Stay Hot at Home, 8-7 - Tennessee Smokies
- Tennesse Nips Carolina in Ninth, 8-7 - Carolina Mudcats
- Lookouts Beat Braves in Comeback Fashion - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Suns Snap Stars Win Streak - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Stars' Win Streak Halted in Heartbreaking Fashion - Huntsville Stars
- Montgomery Biscuits Roster Transaction - Montgomery Biscuits
- Miller At Smokies Park For Rehab - Tennessee Smokies
- Mudcats Transactions - Carolina Mudcats
- Stars To Remember Coolbaugh - Huntsville Stars
- An Eventful Monday Before Game Two Tuesday - Mobile BayBears
- Southern League Hitter and Pitcher of the Week Awards - SL1
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
