Smokies overcome errors, win 6-1

Tennessee commits four errors by rallies at the plate for victory Tennessee committed four errors against the Carolina Mudcats, but used an offensive power surge in a 6-1 win Tuesday night win over Carolina in front of 2,056 fans at Smokies Park. Tennessee (25-28) utilized a three-run seventh inning that included three extra-base hits in a row to take a 6-1 lead over Carolina. Jerry Gil tripled with one out in the inning and was driven in when catcher Phil Avlas doubled to left field. Avlas found his way home behind the bat of Jamie D’Antona, who homered for 10th time this season. Gil’s triple was the seventh for the Smokies and the second for the Santo Domingo resident. The Smokies benefited from a two-run second inning to take the lead for good. Carolina (26-27) threatened in the fourth inning, but left the bases loaded against Jackson. The Smokies’ pitcher struck out two Mudcats’ batters in a row with runners at first and second base, but issued a two-out walk to catcher Patrick Arlis. The free pass didn’t haunt the Clemson product. He immediately struck out Carolina starter Paul Mildren to end the inning. Mildren, who took the loss to fall to 3-5, scored the only run of the night for the Mudcats. His one-out single in the third inning was followed by a two-out Kevin Randel RBI single that cut the Smokies’ lead to 2-1. Jackson went five innings for Tennessee for the win, his second of the season, to improve to 2-3. He allowed just one run on five hits and struck out six Mudcats in his third start since coming off this disabled list for pain in his throwing shoulder. The Smokies bullpen worked four routine innings. Clint Goocher tossed three scoreless innings in relief and Dustin Glant pitched the ninth to secure the win for Tennessee. Carolina and Tennessee play game four of the series Wednesday night at 7:15. Ross Ohlendorf heads to the mound for the Smokies to face southpaw Manu Olivera of the Mudcats. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.smokiesbaseball.com or by calling 286-2300.