Smokies second baseman Drew Bowser launched a pinch-hit grand slam in the sixth inning Aug. 2, powering Knoxville to a come-from-behind win over the visiting Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Pensacola still took the series 4-2 following the 5-3 loss to Knoxville in Sunday’s series finale at Covenant Health Park.
Bowser took over in the sixth inning for Alex Madera, who was ejected the previous frame, and delivered with his first home run at the Double-A level.
Knoxville had struggled throughout the series with runners in scoring position, going 9-for-50 (.180) before Bowser cleared the bases.
"That's awesome for him, man," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. "That's such a great moment for him to come off the bench and help your team in just one swing.
That's the type of power he has."
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Pensacola blasted two home runs in the third inning to take a 3-0 lead. Knoxville didn't answer until the sixth when Karson Simas legged out an infield single with the bases loaded, putting the Smokies on the board and setting up a five-run inning capped by the grand slam.
"That's my game," Simas told Knox News. "I just try to put the ball in play and make them make a play and be a menace on the base paths – anything I can do to help this team win. And that was needed at that moment."
The Smokies' bullpen only allowed four baserunners in the final four frames to preserve the lead. Frankie Scalzo Jr. earned his second win of the week for a clean inning. Luke Little held the advantage, and Marino Santy picked up his seventh save of the year.
Smokies player of the game, top moments: Sunday, Aug. 2
Player of the game: Second baseman Drew Bowser didn't start the game, but he made the most of his first at-bat to give Knoxville a win in the series finale. It was the Smokies' first grand slam since June 4. "Coming off the bench, I was like, 'Let me just try to make it as simple as possible,'" Bowser told Knox News. "I saw it and put a good swing on it."
- Another day, another Smokies ejection: Second baseman Alex Madera was ejected in the fifth inning after being called out on a sacrifice bunt attempt.
- Boos from the crowd: A foul ball in the sixth inning trickled through the stands, where a kid and adult chased after the souvenir. The adult got to the ball first, as the kid put his arms up in frustration. Despite chants from the crowd to "give it to the kid,” the adult held onto the ball. Smokies staffers decided to give another ball to the kid following the situation.
Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park
Knoxville heads to Chattanooga for a six-game series next week before returning home Aug. 11-16 for a series against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Here are the promotions scheduled at Covenant Health Park when the Smokies are back in town:
- 7 p.m. Aug. 11: Free Hot Dog Night, Taco Tuesday (all-you-can-eat taco buffet for $19.99 presale or $24.99 day of game)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 12: All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday (buffet available for $29 in advance or $34 day of game)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 13: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), Knox Vegas (themed jerseys), College Night ($10 tickets for college students)
- 7 p.m. Aug. 14: Chick-fil-A Friday (two tickets and two coupons for $48), Feel-Good Friday
- 7 p.m. Aug. 15: Tennessee Night (themed University of Tennessee-style jerseys), Tennessee Night Bobblehead Giveaway (first 1,000 fans receive DeSean Bishop bobblehead), Summer Fireworks Series
- 2 p.m. Aug. 16: Crayola Day (specialty jerseys), Color Your Own Lunch Box Giveaway (first 1,000 kids receive color your own lunch box)
Smokies record in Southern League North
The Smokies have already clinched a playoff spot by capturing the first-half title and have fallen to second place in the division for the first time in the second half.
- Rocket City Trash Pandas (16-16 second half, 51-49 overall)
- Knoxville Smokies (16-17 second half, 54-48 overall)
- Birmingham Barons (14-18 second half, 40-61 overall)
- Chattanooga Lookouts (12-20 second half, 49-52 overall)
Southern League South standings
- Biloxi Shuckers (19-13 second half, 54-43 overall)
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-13 second half, 55-46 overall)
- Montgomery Biscuits (16-15 second half, 51-49 overall)
- Columbus Clingstones (16-16 second half, 45-51 overall)
Records reflect the standings as of 5 p.m. Aug. 2
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pinch-hit grand slam powers Smokies to series finale win in Knoxville
