​Former University of Tennessee standouts Blake Burke and Andrew Fischer powered the Biloxi Shuckers to a 3-1 victory over the Knoxville Smokies on July 11, setting up a Sunday finale at Covenant Health Park to decide the series. Burke delivered the go-ahead RBI with a line-drive sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, giving Biloxi its first lead of the night. Fischer added some insurance in the next at-bat, lining an RBI single to right field to cushion the advantage.
Two notable Knoxville players stood out for the Smokies. Smokies manager Lance Rymel acknowledged the talent of Burke and Fischer, saying, “They’re two good players, as you guys know in Knoxville.” The Smokies managed just one run on the night, courtesy of designated hitter Jefferson Rojas, who brought in the lone run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. On the mound, right-hander Jace Beck held Biloxi to three hits and one run across five innings, while fanning nine.
The game featured several key individuals who helped shape the early action. Second baseman Drew Bowser and third baseman Alex Madera provided a good portion of Knoxville’s offense, combining for four of the Smokies’ five hits. Both players had recently earned promotions from High-A South Bend within the previous two weeks, and each delivered multi-hit performances, underscoring Knoxville’s depth as the late-season push continued. Manager Rymel noted that adding fresh faces to the lineup can create more opportunities as the team strives to clinch wins down the stretch.
The fourth inning highlighted the game’s momentum shifts. Smokies pitcher Jace Beck fielded a sharply hit ball on the mound, and Biloxi shortstop Eric Brown Jr. followed with a diving stop, both plays keeping the score tied at 1-1 and stalling potential scoring opportunities. In the sixth, Biloxi’s right fielder Mark Coley II sprinted after a bloop and made a diving catch to rob Smokies first baseman Owen Ayers of a hit, preserving the one-run deficit. In the eighth, Fischer’s attempt to stretch a single into a double was thwarted when Smokies right fielder Alex Ramirez threw him out at second base to end the frame.
Looking ahead, the series finale is slated for 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12, with no promotions scheduled for the game. Afterward, Knoxville heads back on the road for consecutive series against the Montgomery Biscuits and Rocket City Trash Pandas, before returning to Covenant Health Park for a July 28-August 2 homestand against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Knoxville continues to hold a strong position in the Southern League North, having clinched a playoff spot by winning the first-half title and maintaining the lead in the second half standings.
Knoxville Smokies remain 11-6 in the second half, with an overall record of 49-37, as they chase playoff success and seek to extend their momentum against Biloxi in the series finale at Covenant Health Park.