The mound at Covenant Health Park hosted a battle between two top prospects Aug. 15, with Smokies starter Brooks Caple earning the win for Knoxville in a 4-1 victory over the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Caple, the No. 9 prospect in the Chicago Cubs system, pitched 5.1 innings of one-run baseball, giving up five hits and three walks. Still, the right-hander claimed he didn't have his "best stuff."
Tyler Bremner, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, started on the mound for Rocket City and was tagged for all four runs and seven hits.
"I keep tabs," Caple told Knox News about facing a top draft pick. "I've never faced him before, but in the back of my mind, I always remember what he does or learn from it."
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Smokies second
baseman Alex Madera erased a second-inning deficit with a two-RBI single, and Knoxville never looked back. Two more runs were tacked on in the third inning to earn the Smokies a series win.
"Two-out RBIs will always help you win a game," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. "Especially to answer back."
Left fielder Andy Garriola recorded three hits after an off day Friday, and Madera collected two. Center fielder Kane Kepley also hit his first Double-A triple in the third inning.
Smokies player of the game, top moments: Saturday, Aug. 15
Player of the game: Brooks Caple was a ninth-round pick but out-dueled the No. 2 overall pick with a one-run outing. "I know he's not necessarily a top draft pick, but he's one of our guys," Rymel said. "His work ethic is extremely well. He's a competitor. No matter what, he's going to go out and give you whatever he's got."
- Tennessee Night at the ballpark: The Smokies gave ode the the University of Tennessee with their Saturday theme, wearing Smokey Grey replica jerseys and offering a DeSean Bishop bobblehead giveaway. UT mascot Smokey and former quarterback Erik Ainge were among the first-pitch throwers.
- Climbing the ladder: Shortstop Karson Simas robbed the Trash Pandas with a leaping grab in the sixth inning to save runs. Simas' catch helped Knoxville strand two runners in scoring position to maintain an advantage. "That's huge, right?" Rymel said. "If that gets over his head, there's two runs there. That's cool how to get out of a jam."
Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park
The Smokies went ahead in the series 3-1, with one game to play at Covenant Health Park on Sunday, Aug. 16. It will be Crayola Day at the stadium, with themed jerseys a Color Your Own Lunch Box Giveaway for the first 1,000 kids. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Smokies record in Southern League North
The Smokies have already clinched a playoff spot by capturing the first-half title and are in first place in the Southern League North.
Southern League North standings
- Knoxville Smokies (24-20 second half, 62-51 overall)
- Rocket City Trash Pandas (22-22 second half, 57-55 overall)
- Birmingham Barons (20-24 second half, 46-67 overall)
- Chattanooga Lookouts (15-29 second half, 52-61 overall)
Southern League South standings
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos (28-16 second half, 64-49 overall)
- Montgomery Biscuits (24-20 second half, 59-54 overall)
- Columbus Clingstones (23-21 second half, 52-56 overall)
- Biloxi Shuckers (20-24 second half, 55-54 overall)
** Records reflect the standings as of 10 p.m. Aug. 15.
Trevor McGee covers the Knoxville Smokies and One Knox SC for Knox News. Email: trevor.mcgee@knoxnews.com; X: @TrevorMcGee12
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Top-ranked Smokies pitcher leads Knoxville to series win over Trash Pandas
