The Tennessee Smokies find themselves in a big hole in the Southern League Championship Series after losing Game 2, 1-0 in 11 innings.
The Smokies had outstanding pitching and defense and faced the minimum number of batters through 10 innings thanks to double plays. But in the 11th, Ryan Wheeler led off with a single and the Game One hero scored the only run in Game 2.
The series moves to Smokies Park for the remainder of games beginning Saturday night at 7:15.
Here is more on Game 2 from the Tennessee Smokies:
The Mobile BayBears took the second game of the 2011 Southern League Championship Series by defeating the Tennessee Smokies 1-0 in 11 innings at Hank Aaron Stadium on Thursday night.
Mobile left-fielder Ollie Linton gave the BayBears the win with a single into right field in the bottom of the eleventh, scoring Ryan Wheeler for the game's only run. The victory gives Mobile a two-games-to-none lead in the best-of-5 series, putting the BayBears one win away from the 2011 Southern League Championship.
Tennessee relief pitcher Rafael Dolis (0-1) took the loss after giving up Linton's game-winning single, while BayBears reliever Kevin Munson earned the victory.
The Smokies collected six hits n the contest, led at the plate by a 2-4 performance by Blake Lalli with two doubles. Tennessee also featured solid pitching, and the BayBears sent the minimum to the plate in the first ten innings. Starter Brooks Raley pitched six innings allowing only one hit while not walking any batters and striking out five. The Smokies also featured strong defense, turning four inning-ending double plays.
In the bottom of the eleventh, Wheeler led off the inning with a single. With two outs, Matt Davidson extended the inning by his single, setting up Linton's heroics to deliver the BayBears the win.
Following an off day Friday, the clubs will play Game 4 of the SLCS on Saturday night AT 7:15 p.m. at Smokies Park. Tennessee right-hander Ryan Searle (0-0, 18.00) will pitch against Mobile left-hander Tyler Skaggs (0-0, 1.29). Following Saturday night's game will be a special post-game fireworks show. For tickets and more information fans can visit www.smokiesbaseball.com or call (865) 286-2300.