See Oak Ridge man’s Smokies memorabilia collection
Seen Don Bell’s Smokies memorabilia collection, June 21, 2025.
- The Smokies dropped their series finale, 2-1, to the Birmingham Barons
- The Barons scored two runs in the fourth, and the Smokies rallied late but fell short.
- Knoxville starts a split home/road series July 1 in Chattanooga, returning home on July 4.
The Knoxville Smokies came up short in the ninth inning, falling 2-1 to the Birmingham Barons on June 29 at Covenant Health Park.
The teams split the six-game series, the first one of the Double-A Southern League’s second half. Both teams entered the series finale looking to close the week strong: Knoxville at 35-39 overall (3-3 second half) and Birmingham at 41-34 (3-3).
After three scoreless innings, the Barons broke through in the fourth when Caden Connor ripped a two-run double to right-center, sending Ryan Galanie and DJ Gladney home.
The Smokies had opportunities but left runners stranded in the first, second and third innings. Their best early chance came in the third with baserunners on the corners, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Knoxville starter Sam Armstrong pitched four innings and allowed two runs before Zac Leigh and Chris Clarke combined for three shutout frames.
Clarke retired six of the seven batters he faced in just his second appearance with the Smokies, and has yet to let up a run in a Smokies uniform. Sam Thoresen and Cayne Ueckert held the Barons scoreless in the eighth and ninth to keep the Smokies within striking distance.
“My pitches were going where my eyes were looking, so everything was working out,” Clarke said.
The former fourth-round draft pick, who has spent time the last two seasons at Triple-A Iowa and Single-A Myrtle Beach before arriving in Knoxville, said he feels comfortable with the Smokies and the new environment.
“It’s a great group of guys,” he said. “The body’s in the right place. Getting sore in all the right areas. Still getting used to the two-inning stints, but overall I love the role and love the team.”
In the bottom of the ninth, Reivaj Garcia walked and stole second. Casey Opitz brought him home with a single to right, trimming the lead to 2-1. With just one out left to play with, pinch hitter Felix Stevens struck out in three swings to end the game and close the series.
The Smokies open a three-game road series in Chattanooga on July 1 at 7:35 p.m. against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. They return home for a three-game home series against Chattanooga on July 4 at Covenant Health Park.
Game note: The matchup between the Smokies and Barons pitted the two Chicago minor league affiliates against each other: the Smokies are the Cubs Double-A affiliate and the Barons are the White Sox affiliate. NBA legend Michael Jordan played for the Barons during his attempt to make the majors in 1994.
Knox News reporter Gabriel Jackson covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC. Email: gabriel.jackson@knoxnews.com.
