Smokies rally falls short in Knoxville return: 5 games left in series

Knoxville Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola represented the tying run at third base in the ninth inning July 28, but his teammates failed to bring him home in a 3-2 loss to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Covenant Health Park. Only one hit came from Knoxville's top four batters in the order. Two-hole hi

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Knoxville Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola represented the tying run at third base in the ninth inning July 28, but his teammates failed to bring him home in a 3-2 loss to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Covenant Health Park.

Only one hit came from Knoxville's top four batters in the order. Two-hole hitterJefferson Rojaswent 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the loss.

"We were a swing away at the end," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News, "and we just didn't get it done."

Pensacola started the scoring with a two-run second inning. Cristian Hernández followed with a home run in the third inning, giving the Blue Wahoos a 3-0 lead over the Smokies. Knoxville's prime scoring opportunity came in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and one out,

but the Smokies could only manage an RBI single from Carter Trice.

"You need more than one run there, usually, if you're going to beat a good team like this," Rymel said. "(We'd) like to capitalize on those type of situations, you know?"

Smokies designated hitter Miguel Useche added the final run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.

Knoxville right-hander Connor Schultz walked five batters and allowed six hits across 3.2 innings before exiting the game with the bases loaded. Pensacola starter Luis Palacios provided a more productive start with six strikeouts and two hits allowed in 4.1 innings. Palacios walked three straight batters in the fifth inning to end his night.

Smokies player of the game, top moments: Tuesday, July 28

Knoxville Smokies catcher Ariel Armas (7) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on June 20, 2026.

Player of the game: Catcher Ariel Armas touched home plate for both of Knoxville's runs, thanks to getting on base in all three of his four at-bats. Armas recorded a single and two walks in the Smokies loss. "He's been coming around offensively since the All-Star break," Rymel said. "He's in the fifth hole for a reason. He's a tough at-bat."

System connection: Cristian Hernández, shortstop for the Blue Wahoos, was the Cubs' No. 16 prospect last season before being traded away, never making it past High-A South Bend. He is the brother of Cubs prospect Alexis Hernández, who is now with the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. This means he hit a home run at Covenant Health Park before he or his brother had a chance to play for the Smokies.
Former teammates reconnect: Smokies left fielder Carter Trice and Blue Wahoos second baseman Payton Green shared a moment in center field before the game. The two were teammates at NC State in 2023.

Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park

The Smokies fell to 1-0 in the series, with five games to play at Covenant Health Park. Here are the remaining promotions with Pensacola in town.

7 p.m. July 29: All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday (buffet available for $29 in advance or $34 day of game)
7 p.m. July 30: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), Knox Vegas (themed jerseys), College Night ($10 tickets for college students)
7 p.m. July 31: Paint the Park Pink (specialty jerseys), Summer Fireworks Series, Chick-fil-A Friday (two tickets and two coupons for $48), Feel-Good Friday, Fill-a-Ford 4Students (bring school supply donations, each person who donates receive two complimentary vouchers for 2027 Smokies tickets)
7 p.m. Aug. 1: Knoxville Giants (specialty jerseys), Summer Fireworks Series
2 p.m. Aug. 2: No promotions scheduled