Birmingham Concedes Third-Straight to Smokies

Despite the Birmingham Barons out-hitting the Tennessee Smokies 7-6, the Barons could not match the Smokies on the scoreboard. The Smokies won Game 3 of the six game series by a score of 5-1.

The Smokies struck first with a two-run homer in the top of the third inning. Even though the shot did put the Smokies ahead, the Barons would add one of their own in the bottom of the inning.

Birmingham’s left-fielder Tyler Neslony got the inning started with a single to left field, as well as stealing second to get himself into scoring position. Neslony finished the night as the most productive Barons from the plate, going 2-for-5 with a stolen base and a run.

The Barons were in a spot to get things going early, and all they needed was a hit from right-fielder Luis Mieses.

With two-outs and the pressure building, Mieses did not crack under pressure. He sent a ground ball to the second-baseman and Mieses’ hustle down the line made the throw errant, scoring Neslony in the process.

Birmingham fought back, keeping it to only a one run game, a lot of which can be attributed to left-handed starter Garrett Davila. Davila, in his first start of the season, finished with 5.0 IP, three strikeouts, three hits allowed and the two earned runs from the homer. The southpaw before the start had two appearances with the Barons that amounted to 5.1 IP, displaying his longevity and adaptability.

Davila capped off his night with two shut-out innings, continuing to allow the Barons to stay in the game. Birmingham wanted to continue to keep the game in-reach so they turned to Alex Mateo in the sixth. Mateo before last night had come in more in a setup or closer role, however the Barons needed his flawless ERA earlier.

Mateo in his one inning pitched struck out three and only allowed two hits. The righty had a solid outing, however did concede his first run of the season on an RBI double. The Smokies tacked onto their lead while continuing to hold the Barons off the scoreboard.

Only down two-runs through six, Birmingham turned to another sure hand in right-hander Nash Walters. Walters finished the top of the seventh, his sole inning of work, with one strikeout and 0 hits allowed in the five batters he faced.

The Barons were within striking distance of the Smokies, but like they have done for the last two nights: They put away the game in the final two innings.

In the top of the eighth Smokies catcher Miguel Amaya sent a two-run shot to left-center-field, and a four run lead.

With the offense doing their job, it left it up to the pitching staff. The Smokies closing pitcher left-hander Riley Martin was up for the task, sitting down the Barons in the final two innings in seven batters.

The Barons were given an opportunity to steal a game from the opposition, however were not able to capitalize. The Smokies were able to come out of the game victories despite being out hit and recording four errors.

Birmingham may not get another opportunity to do that against a team like the Smokies, who lead the Southern League North Division.

The Barons fall to 6-12 on the season, and 1-8 in home games. Nevertheless, it is early in the season with lots of time to turn things around.