Knoxville Smokies win opener, Suzuki delivers in rehab start for Cubs

A first-inning home run April 3 from Jefferson Rojas got the scoring started in 2026 for the Knoxville Smokies, who capitalized on wild pitches en route to a 9-6 Opening Day win at Covenant Health Park. Seiya Suzuki, on a Double-A rehab assignment for the Chicago Cubs , knocked a single through the gap between the Birmingham Barons' shortstop and third baseman in the bottom of the first inning. Suzuki crossed home plate on Rojas' three-run homer, along with Alexander Ramirez, and followed up his offense with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the second.

Two wild pitches from two Birmingham pitchers − Jared Kelley and Jairo Iriarte − led to two Smokies runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Also in the inning, a groundout from Smokies third baseman Devin Ortiz scored Ariel Armas. Armas, who was on base in the fifth inning after a line-drive single, widened the gap for the Smokies in the bottom of the eighth inning with an RBI double.

Closing pitcher Evan Taylor killed all hopes of the Barons' coming back in the game, which ended with a strikeout and a 9-6 Smokies win. Smokies' player of the game: Seiya Suzuki The excitement fans felt for Suzuki was evident by the cheers he received during pregame introductions. His quick contributions further galvanized fans and gave Smokies players the momentum they needed to compete with the Barons' offensive production.

Suzuki went one for two at the plate with one run scored and one RBI before being pulled, likely to prevent a reinjury as the right fielder readies for a return to the Cubs. Suzuki appeared with Chicago in spring training before suffering a knee injury in the World Baseball Classic while playing for Japan in March. Knoxville Smokies standings in Southern League North The Smokies are now 1-0 in the first half of the season, putting them in a tie for first place in the Southern League North with the rival Chattanooga Lookouts.