Smokies dominate Trash Pandas series with fifth consecutive win Sunday

The Knoxville Smokies fell behind in the opening frame Aug. 16 and fended off a late rally by the Rocket City Trash Pandas for a 5-4 win at Covenant Health Park. Sunday marked the fifth consecutive victory for the Smokies in their series with the Trash Pandas. Overcoming a deficit in each win, Knoxv

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The Knoxville Smokies fell behind in the opening frame Aug. 16 and fended off a late rally by the Rocket City Trash Pandas for a 5-4 win at Covenant Health Park.

Sunday marked the fifth consecutive victory for the Smokies in their series with the Trash Pandas. Overcoming a deficit in each win, Knoxville took the six-game series 5-1.

"We do a good job of answering back right away, getting ourselves back in the ball game," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. "When we get behind, it's no panic."

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Smokies starter Kevin Valdez delivered a productive six-inning outing. In 74 pitches, he recorded six strikeouts while allowing four hits and two walks. Rocket City put two runs across the plate against him, including a fourth-inning

home run by Jake Munroe that tied the game at 2.

Center fielder Kane Kepley answered in the fourth inning with a home run of his own – his first at Covenant Health Park – to give the Smokies a 5-2 lead. Kepley finished with three hits in the leadoff spot, while Drew Bowser added three of his own.

Rocket City threatened Knoxville in the ninth inning with a two-run blast by Jacob Cozart, but Vince Reilly battled to pick up the save and give the Smokies a commanding second-half lead.

Smokies player of the game, top moments: Sunday, Aug. 16

Knoxville Smokies outfielder Kane Kepley (2) returns to the dugout following an inning against the Rocket City Trash Pandas during a Minor League Baseball game on Aug. 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Player of the game: Kane Kepley has only played nine games in Double-A, sporting a 1.075 OPS in the leadoff spot. His three-hit performance Sunday, including a home run to right field, showed his ability to make a difference for the playoff-bound Smokies. "I'm feeling like I'm getting in a groove," Kepley told Knox News. "Just happy to be where I'm at."

Pre-pitch maintenance: As Smokies right-handed pitcher Kevin Valdez warmed up to start the game, he called for the grounds crew to fix the landing spot on the mound.
Pitching that dominates: The Smokies' starting pitchers allowed just six runs in the series across 31.1 innings. The only game Knoxville lost was Edward Cabrera's no-hit rehab start Tuesday.

Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park

Knoxville hits the road for a beach trip to Pensacola, followed by a series at Biloxi before returning home. Here are the promotions at Covenant Health Park when the Smokies return Sept. 1 to face Chattanooga.

7 p.m. Sept. 1: Taco Tuesday (all-you-can-eat taco buffet for $19.99 presale or $24.99 day of game)
7 p.m. Sept. 2: All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday (buffet available for $29 in advance or $34 day of game)
7 p.m. Sept. 3: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), Knox Vegas (themed jerseys), College Night ($10 tickets for college students)
7 p.m. Sept. 4: Chick-fil-A Friday (two tickets and two coupons for $48), Feel-Good Friday, Knoxville Ice Bears Night in collaboration with Vols of Honor
7 p.m. Sept. 5: Fan Appreciation Night, Summer Fireworks Series
2 p.m. Sept. 6: No promotions scheduled