Smokies end game with bases loaded in third loss to Blue Wahoos

The Knoxville Smokies needed just one good swing, but a bases-loaded groundout in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the visiting Penscola Blue Wahoos their third win of the series July 31 at Covenant Health Park.

>After losing 5-4, Knoxville must win Saturday and Sunday to split the six-game series.

>Right fielder Andy Garriola was called out for batter's interference as center fielder Alex Ramirez was caught stealing, giving the Smokies their first and second outs of the ninth inning. Knoxville loaded the bases, but first baseman Edgar Alvarez grounded out to end the game.

>The Smokie went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position, leaving 12 runners on base.

>"We were probably one hit away probably three or four at-bats tonight," Smokies manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. "And the timely hitting just didn't get it done."

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>With the offensive struggles in the first three games of the series, The Smokies manager tweaked the lineup following offensive struggles in the first three games of the series, moving left fielder Carter Trice to the leadoff spot and bumping Ramirez to the three-hole. In their new spots, the pair managed to get on base a combined five times Friday night.

>Pensacola hit two go-ahead home runs: a blast on the first pitch of the second inning by Brandon Compton and a towering two-run shot by Jay Beshears in the fifth. Knoxville rallied to tie on both occasions but couldn't catch up to the Blue Wahoos.

Smokies player of the game, top moments: Friday, July 31

>Player of the game: Three hits from Alex Ramirez made him the only Smokies batter with multiple hits in the game, and his two-run home run to even the score in the fifth inning was the swing of the night for the home team.

Paint the Park Pink Night: After the third inning ended, a stadium-wide moment of silence began in support of breast cancer awareness. Players emerged from the dugouts with signs displaying the names of those they stand with. The Smokies donned specialty pink jerseys that will be auctioned off to to support the American Cancer Society. • >Turning point: The Smokies had runners on second and third base in the sixth inning when Carter Trice struck out on three pitches in a tie game. Pensacola answered with a two-run frame, taking advantage of Knoxville's missed chance. "That's an at-bat there, if he gets a knock," Rymel said, "he changes the game."Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health ParkThe Smokies are behind 3-1 in the series against the Blue Wahoos with two games to play at Covenant Health Park. Here are the remaining promotions with Pensacola in town.

7 p.m. Aug. 1: Knoxville Giants (specialty jerseys), Summer Fireworks Series • >2 p.m. Aug. 2: No promotions scheduledSmokies record in Southern League NorthThe Smokies have already clinched a playoff spot by capturing the first-half title and continue to lead the Southern League North in the second half.

Knoxville Smokies (15-16 second half, 53-47 overall) • >Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-16 second half, 50-49 overall) • >Birmingham Barons (13-17 second half, 39-60 overall) • >Chattanooga Lookouts (11-19 second half, 48-51 overall)Southern League South standings

Biloxi Shuckers (18-12 second half, 53-42 overall) • >Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-12 second half, 54-45 overall) • >Montgomery Biscuits (15-14 second half, 50-48 overall) • >Columbus Clingstones (16-15 second half, 45-50 overall)Records reflect the standings as of 10 p.m. July 31.

>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: Smokies end game with bases loaded in third loss to Blue Wahoos