Knoxville Wins Series with Rojas Power
# **Knoxville Smokies Clinch Series with Dominant 7-4 Victory Over Birmingham**
## **A Pitching Masterclass and Clutch Hitting Secure the Win**
The Knoxville Smokies closed out a pivotal four-game series against the Birmingham Barons in style, securing a 7-4 victory that locked up the series. The win was powered by a stellar outing from starter **Brooks Caple**, who delivered five strong innings, keeping Birmingham’s bats in check. Offensively, **Jefferson Rojas** and **Owen Ayers** led the charge, each tallying multiple hits and combining for four of the team’s eight total hits.
### **A Back-and-Forth Battle**
The game began with a bang, as **Hayden Cantrelle** drilled a two-run double in the first inning, staking Knoxville to a 2-0 lead. Birmingham responded in the third, when **Wilfred Veras** launched a two-run homer to tie the game, followed by an RBI double from **Colby Shelton** that put the Barons ahead, 3-2.
Rojas quickly answered, crushing his third homer in two days in the fifth inning to reclaim the lead, 4-3. **Trice** added a single in the sixth, extending the margin to 5-3.
### **Late-Inning Drama Seals the Deal**
The seventh inning saw both teams exchange runs. Jordan Sprinkle plated a sacrifice fly for Birmingham, tying the game at 5-5. But Knoxville wasn’t done—Rojas struck again with a triple, followed by an RBI single from Ayers to make it 7-5. The Smokies held on, preserving the lead until the final out.
Rojas’ performance over the six-game stretch against Birmingham was nothing short of spectacular: 2-for-4 with a homer and a triple in the finale, capping a week where he batted .400.
Manager Praises the Team’s Grit
Knoxville’s skipper, Lance Rymel, lauded his team’s resilience, emphasizing their never-say-die attitude and relentless focus on scoring. The win propelled the Smokies into first place in the Southern League North with a 30-26 record, tied atop the standings with Chattanooga.
Next Up: A Tough Road Trip and Home Stand
The Smokies now turn their attention to a road trip against the Montgomery Biscuits from June 9-14, followed by a return to Covenant Health Park for a series against the Lookouts from June 16-21. Fans can look forward to a host of promotions, including:
- Taco & Buffet Nights
- Draft Beer Specials
- Family-Friendly Events
Stay tuned—it’s shaping up to be an exciting stretch for the Smokies!
