Smokies walk it off vs. Trash Pandas, clinching first series win of 2026

Knoxville will defend the diamond at Covenant Health Park once more this weekend, but another late-game rally April 11 gave the Smokies the runs needed to secure their first series win of 2026 ahead of their first road trip next week. With both teams scoreless in the sixth, the Smokies scored their first run of the game on a double-play groundout by Alex Ramirez with the bases loaded. An RBI triple by the Trash Pandas in the top of the eighth inning was followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Rocket City’s Mac McCroskey that made the score 3-1.

The Smokies’ Devin Ortiz responded with a solo home run for the Smokies in the bottom of the frame, making the score 3-2. Ortiz’s number was called once more in the bottom of the ninth, and the Smokies second baseman delivered with a game-winning sacrifice fly following an RBI single by Karson Simas. Smokies starter Grant Kipp struck out four batters over five innings and allowed just one hit.

This lessened the sting from the triple and two-run home run allowed by Smokies reliever Jayce Beck Fellow reliever Dawson Netz finished the game for Knoxville. Smokies pitchers earned 11 strikeouts while giving up four hits and one walk. The Smokies face the Trash Pandas one more time before heading to Pensacola for the first road series of the season.

Knoxville leads the series over Rocket City 4-1. Knoxville Smokies stars of the game: Devin Ortiz Ortiz’s two RBIs were big ones, making him responsible for half of the Smokies scoring in the series-clinching win. Knoxville Smokies record in Southern League North The Smokies are now 5-3, putting Knoxville in second place in the Southern League North.