Down on the Farm: Javier Baez struggles in return, Smokies win big

First up we have the Tennessee Smokies taking on the Birmingham Barons yet again. Tennessee is looking to rebound from a one run loss during yesterday’s contest and did exactly that. The Smokies picked apart almost every Birmingham pitcher that took the mound as they were able to record eight runs off 10 hits.

Third base prospect Kris Bryant finished the game 2-4 with three RBIs. Bryant led off the game with an RBI single in the first for a 1-0 lead, he then added another single to center in the fifth for a 6-2 lead. Outfielder Rubi Silva also had a solid day at the plate with two hits and two RBIs.

Silva’s two RBIs were recorded in the fifth inning off a single to center, for a 4-2 lead. He also reached on a fielding error during the seventh, which helped make it 7-2 after Bryant put two more on the board. The Smokies picked up five runs in the fifth then added two insurance runs in the seventh.

Top pitching prospect C.J. Edwards took the mound, looking for his first win on this season. He gave up two earned runs on three hits, struck out four and walked two over six innings.

24-year-old right-hander, Hunter Cervenka entered in relief and gave up one earned run on two hits over two innings.

Winning pitcher tonight was C.J. Edwards (1-0, 2.61 ERA) taking the loss was Chris Beck (2-2, 5.91 ERA).

Final Score: Smokies 8, Barons 3.

Tennessee Smokies improve to 8-9.