Knoxville Wins Series with Rojas Power

The Knoxville Smokies finished a four‑game stretch against the Birmingham Barons with a 7‑4 victory that secured them the series. A solid outing from starter Brooks Caple, who went five innings, helped keep the Barons at bay. Jefferson Rojas and Owen Ayers each had multi‑hit games, contributing four of the team’s eight hits. The game opened with Hayden Cantrelle’s two‑run double, giving Knoxville a 2‑0 lead. Birmingham answered in the third inning when Wilfred Veras hit a two‑run homer and Colby Shelton added an RBI double to take a 3‑2 advantage. Rojas returned the favor in the fifth with his third homer of two days, pushing Knoxville ahead 4‑3. A single from Trice in the sixth made it 5‑3.

Both teams exchanged runs in the seventh. Jordan Sprinkle’s sacrifice fly gave Birmingham a 5‑4 lead, but Rojas’ triple followed by Ayers’ RBI single restored Knoxville’s 7‑4 edge, which held until the final out. Rojas’ performance over the six games against Birmingham was impressive: 2‑for‑4 with a homer and a triple in the finale, ending the week batting . 400. Knoxville’s manager Lance Rymel praised the team’s resilience, noting that they never give up and always focus on scoring. The Smokies now sit atop the Southern League North with a 30‑26 record, tied for first with Chattanooga. Knoxville will travel to play the Montgomery Biscuits from June 9‑14, then return home for a series against the Lookouts on June 16‑21. Fans can enjoy various promotions at Covenant Health Park, including taco and buffet nights, draft beer specials, and family‑friendly events.

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