Down on the Farm: Chris Rusin shines in Iowa Cubs 9-2 win

Next up we have the Tennessee Smokies taking on the Huntsville Stars (Milwaukee Brewers) who were able to squeeze by with a 3-1 victory over the Smokies.

Now there’s not much you can say about tonight’s outing by the Tennessee Smokies, but you can shake you head after reading the final scorecard. Things liked like they were still in reach after the bottom of the sixth inning despite trailing the Stars 3-1. But then Huntsville decided it would be the perfect time to not only put up eight runs during the top of the eighth inning, but four more during the top of the ninth.

Starting pitcher Matt Loosen made it through six and one-third innings before he was pulled from the game. He allowed five hits, three earned runs (one home run) and struck out three. His replacement was lefty Jeff Lorick. Lorick didn’t even make it a full inning (two and one third) before he was pulled from the game. He struck out two batters, but was tagged with five earned runs off four hits with three walks. Absolutely terrible, but what can you do.

The player of the game today for the Smokies happens to be Rafael Lopez. Lopez provided the Smokies with their only run of the game on a double to left field during the bottom of the sixth inning. After that, it was all Huntsville and their non-stop run producing lineup.

Tonight just wasn’t Tennessee’s night and it’s a good thing that it’s this early in the season.

Winning pitcher for tonight’s blow out is Brooks Hall (2-1, 2.77 ERA), losing pitcher is Matt Loosen (1-2, 4.95 ERA).

Final Score: Stars 15, Smokies 1.

Tennessee falls to 10-12.