The Smokies secured a series win with a 4-3 victory over the Barons on May 9 at Covenant Health Park. The game featured key home runs and a strong response from Knoxville after falling behind.
Key points
Smokies won 4-3 against Barons on May 9
Ariel Armas hit a two-run homer
Knoxville responded after falling behind
Series win secured for the Smokies
Next game scheduled for Sunday
Mentioned in this story
Covenant Health Park
SmokiesBaronsSouthern League North
The Smokies won the game and the series May 9 with a 4-3 victory over the Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park, with still another meeting scheduled for Sunday to close out the six-game set.
The Barons traveled to Knoxville looking to break free from the back-and-forth battle for second place in the Southern League North standings, but the Smokies seem to have found their footing.
Immediately following back-to-back wins over the Barons in a Friday doubleheader, the Smokies stayed in stride and got the scoring started in the second inning Saturday with a two-run homer from Ariel Armas. Birmingham took a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning off an RBI groundout and a Smokies throwing error, but Knoxville responded in the bottom of the frame with a solo home run from Owen Ayers followed by an Edgar Alvarez sacrifice fly that scored Alex Ramirez and made the score 4-3.
Barons infielder Jordan Sprinkle (18) tags Smokies infielder Hayden Cantrell (12) on the face at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies catcher Owen Ayers (6) celebrates hitting a solo home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
From left to right: Alaina Smith, Emma Broyles, Payton Martinez, Ashley Dreiman and Madison Tate pose for a photo during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Smokies vs Barons game on May 9?
The Smokies won the game 4-3 against the Barons.
Who hit the two-run homer for the Smokies in the game?
Ariel Armas hit the two-run homer for the Smokies in the second inning.
What was the significance of the Smokies' victory over the Barons?
The victory secured the series win for the Smokies and helped them maintain their position in the Southern League North standings.
When is the next game scheduled between the Smokies and Barons?
Another meeting is scheduled for Sunday to close out the six-game set between the Smokies and Barons.
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Smokies pitcher Grant Kipp (11) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) breaks his bat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
A young Smokies fans shows off his muscles during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Jennifer Johnstone watches a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) runs out to the field during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies catcher Owen Ayers (6) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Aidan Jackson, Dylan Cianci, Norman Boykin and Jack Emory pose for a picture during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies pitcher Grant Kipp (11) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies infielder Hayden Cantrell (12) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
A Smokies beer mason jar sits on the dugout during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Carly Mansfeldt smiles while entering a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Knoxville Smokies fans stand on the outfield concourse during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies infielder Jefferson Rojas (2) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies fans show off their muscles during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies pitcher Jace Beck (32) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies fans sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Young Knoxville Smokies fans throw balls during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) shows off his broken bat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Melissa Self sings the National Anthem during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies catcher Ariel Armas (7) watches the pitcher during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
A Smokies fan shows off his muscles during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Yardley Flats residents show off their support for the Smokies during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies pitcher Luis Rujano (41) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Workers pour beer into cups for Thirsty Thursday during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Barons infielder Jordan Sprinkle (18) tags Smokies infielder Hayden Cantrell (12) on the face at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Barons infielder Jordan Sprinkle (18) tags Smokies infielder Hayden Cantrell (12) on the face at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies catcher Owen Ayers (6) celebrates hitting a solo home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
From left to right: Alaina Smith, Emma Broyles, Payton Martinez, Ashley Dreiman and Madison Tate pose for a photo during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
4 / 30
Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies pitcher Grant Kipp (11) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) breaks his bat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
A young Smokies fans shows off his muscles during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Jennifer Johnstone watches a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) runs out to the field during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies catcher Owen Ayers (6) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Aidan Jackson, Dylan Cianci, Norman Boykin and Jack Emory pose for a picture during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies pitcher Grant Kipp (11) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies infielder Hayden Cantrell (12) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
A Smokies beer mason jar sits on the dugout during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Carly Mansfeldt smiles while entering a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Knoxville Smokies fans stand on the outfield concourse during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies infielder Jefferson Rojas (2) throws the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies fans show off their muscles during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies pitcher Jace Beck (32) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies fans sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Young Knoxville Smokies fans throw balls during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) shows off his broken bat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Melissa Self sings the National Anthem during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies catcher Ariel Armas (7) watches the pitcher during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
A Smokies fan shows off his muscles during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Yardley Flats residents show off their support for the Smokies during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Smokies pitcher Luis Rujano (41) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
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Smokies vs Barons for KnoxVegas, Thirsty Thursday at Covenant Health Park
Workers pour beer into cups for Thirsty Thursday during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Tyler Schlaffer started on the mound for the Smokies and lasted five innings before being replaced, giving up no runs and just one hit while striking out seven batters.
Smokies standout player of the game: Ariel Armas
Smokies catcher Ariel Armas (7) watches the pitcher during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Smokies catcher Ariel Armas (7) watches the pitcher during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Birmingham Barons at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee., on May 7, 2026.
Drawing a walk in the game, designated hitter Ariel Armas had just one hit in his three official plate appearances but made it count, earning two RBIs with a home run in the second inning that set the tone early for a Smokies win.
Knoxville Smokies record in Southern League North
The Smokies are now 17-15, sitting in second place in the Southern League North. The Chattanooga Lookouts lead the division.
First-half standings (as of 9:30 p.m. May 9):
Chattanooga Lookouts (21-10)
Knoxville Smokies (17-15)
Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-16)
Birmingham Barons (14-18)
Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park
The Smokies have one game remaining in the home series, and it's on Mother's Day Sunday, May 10. The first 500 women through the gates will get a clear Smokies purse for free.
The Smokies are on the road May 12-17 for a series against the Columbus Clingstones before returning to Covenant Health Park for a May 19-24 series against the Montgomery Biscuits.
Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor for Knox News. Email: ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com; Cell: 865-317-5138; Instagram: @knoxscruff.
