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Smokies walk it off vs. Trash Pandas, clinching first series win of 2026
TL;DR
The Smokies secured their first series win of 2026 against the Trash Pandas with a late-game rally, winning the game 4-3. This victory comes ahead of their first road trip next week.
Smokies walk it off vs. Trash Pandas, clinching first series win of 2026
Knoxville will defend the diamond at Covenant Health Park once more this weekend, but another late-game rally April 11 gave the Smokies the runs needed to secure their first series win of 2026 ahead of their first road trip next week.
With both teams scoreless in the sixth, the Smokies scored their first run of the game on a double-play groundout by Alex Ramirez with the bases loaded.
An RBI triple by the Trash Pandas in the top of the eighth inning was followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Rocket City’s Mac McCroskey that made the score 3-1.
The Smokies’ Devin Ortiz responded with a solo home run for the Smokies in the bottom of the frame, making the score 3-2.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) at bat for the Knoxville Smokies during a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knoxville Smokies’ Edgar Alvarez points to the dugout after crossing home plate on a home run against Rocket City in a Minor League Baseball game on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Knoxville Smokies stand for the sining of the national anthem to make the start of a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Sierra Gibson tends to customers at The Blue Moon cart at Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Sierra Gibson serves beer at The Backstop at Covenant Health Park on on April 7, 2026, during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Covenant Health Park grounds crew preps the field for the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Knoxville Smokies’ Knox Vegas uniforms available at the Collectors Corner shop at Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knoxville Smokies infielder Devin Ortiz (15) steals home plate during a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knox Vegas branded clothing available at the Collectors Corner shop in Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Scott berry and Lucyna Stopka grab beers before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Nicole Lytle and Joseph Young opted for pizza for the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) warms up before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Suzuki is rehabbing with the Smokies after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) signs autographs for fans before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Suzuki is rehabbing with the Knoxville Smokies after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic.
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Jordan Nwogu (8) readying for the Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) successfully steals third base from Rocket City’s Harold Coll (8) during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knox Vegas branded ball caps available a the Collectors Corner shop inside of Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knoxville Smokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) celebrates with manager Lance Rymel after hitting a home run during a Minor League Baseball game against Rocket City on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
John and Cindy Grigsby sample the foods available at Covenant Health Park during their first Knoxville Smokies Minor League Baseball Knoxville Smokies on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) warms up before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Suzuki is rehabbing with the Smokies after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) at bat for the Knoxville Smokies during a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) at bat for the Knoxville Smokies during a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Knoxville Smokies’ Edgar Alvarez points to the dugout after crossing home plate on a home run against Rocket City in a Minor League Baseball game on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
3 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
The Knoxville Smokies stand for the sining of the national anthem to make the start of a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
4 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Sierra Gibson tends to customers at The Blue Moon cart at Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
5 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Sierra Gibson serves beer at The Backstop at Covenant Health Park on on April 7, 2026, during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas in Knoxville, Tennessee.
6 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
The Covenant Health Park grounds crew preps the field for the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
7 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
The Knoxville Smokies’ Knox Vegas uniforms available at the Collectors Corner shop at Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Knoxville Smokies infielder Devin Ortiz (15) steals home plate during a Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Knox Vegas branded clothing available at the Collectors Corner shop in Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Scott berry and Lucyna Stopka grab beers before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Nicole Lytle and Joseph Young opted for pizza for the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
12 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) warms up before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Suzuki is rehabbing with the Smokies after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) signs autographs for fans before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Suzuki is rehabbing with the Knoxville Smokies after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Jordan Nwogu (8) readying for the Minor League Baseball game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) successfully steals third base from Rocket City’s Harold Coll (8) during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
16 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Knox Vegas branded ball caps available a the Collectors Corner shop inside of Covenant Health Park during a Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
17 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Knoxville Smokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) celebrates with manager Lance Rymel after hitting a home run during a Minor League Baseball game against Rocket City on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
John and Cindy Grigsby sample the foods available at Covenant Health Park during their first Knoxville Smokies Minor League Baseball Knoxville Smokies on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
19 / 19
Smokies baseball vs Rocket City Trash Pandas
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (6) warms up before the start of the Minor League Baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Rocket City Trash Pandas on April 7, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Suzuki is rehabbing with the Smokies after spraining the posterior cruciate ligament during the World Baseball Classic.
Ortiz’s number was called once more in the bottom of the ninth, and the Smokies second baseman delivered with a game-winning sacrifice fly following an RBI single by Karson Simas.
Smokies starter Grant Kipp struck out four batters over five innings and allowed just one hit. This lessened the sting from the triple and two-run home run allowed by Smokies reliever Jayce Beck
Fellow reliever Dawson Netz finished the game for Knoxville. Smokies pitchers earned 11 strikeouts while giving up four hits and one walk.
The Smokies face the Trash Pandas one more time before heading to Pensacola for the first road series of the season. Knoxville leads the series over Rocket City 4-1.
Knoxville Smokies stars of the game: Devin Ortiz
Ortiz’s two RBIs were big ones, making him responsible for half of the Smokies scoring in the series-clinching win.
Knoxville Smokies record in Southern League North
The Smokies are now 5-3, putting Knoxville in second place in the Southern League North.
First-half standings (as of 10 p.m. April 11):
Southern League North
- Chattanooga Lookouts (7-0)
- Knoxville Smokies (5-3)
- Rocket City Trash Pandas (3-5)
- Birmingham Barons (2-5)
Southern League South
- Biloxi Shuckers (4-3)
- Columbus Clingstones (4-4)
- Montgomery Biscuits (3-4)
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos (1-5)
Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park
The Smokies wrap up their series vs. the Trash Pandas on Sunday, April 12.
Knoxville will be on the road next week for the first time this season, with six games against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, before returning to Covenant Health Park for an April 21-26 home stand.
Here's what will be on tap when the Smokies are back at the ballpark to face the Chattanooga Lookouts (all games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted):
- Tuesday, April 21: No scheduled promotions
- 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22: All-you-can-eat brunch ($29 in advance, $34 day of)
- Thursday, April 23 (Knox Vegas): Thirsty Thursday (half-price beer, including mason jars) and College Night ($10 standing room tickets for students with college ID)
- Friday, April 24: Chick-fil-A Friday (ticket-coupon combo)
- Saturday, April 25: Dancing with the Smokies, featuring Elaine Hendrix and a postgame "Anakeesta firefly experience, plus fireworks
- 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26: Halfway to Halloween celebration (kids can run the bases postgame)
Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor for Knox News. Email: ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com; Cell: 865-317-5138; Instagram: @knoxscruff.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokies walk it off vs. Trash Pandas, clinching first series win of 2026
Q&A
What was the final score of the Smokies vs. Trash Pandas game?
The final score was 4-3 in favor of the Smokies.
Who scored the winning runs for the Smokies against the Trash Pandas?
The Smokies scored the winning runs with a late-game rally, including a double-play groundout by Alex Ramirez.
When is the Smokies' first road trip of 2026 scheduled?
The Smokies' first road trip of 2026 is scheduled for next week.
What significant play did Mac McCroskey make during the game?
Mac McCroskey hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, contributing to the Trash Pandas' score.
