The Smokies defeated the Barons 8-1 in Game 1 of their doubleheader on May 8, taking the series lead. The second game is scheduled to start shortly after the first ends.
Key points
Smokies lead series against Barons after Game 1 win
Final score of Game 1 was 8-1
Second game scheduled after first ends
Jefferson Rojas scored first run with a walk
Smokies scored multiple runs in fourth inning
Mentioned in this story
Covenant Health Park
SmokiesBarons
The Smokies lead their series against the Barons after an 8-1 win May 8, but Birmingham still has time to even the score in the second half of Friday's doubleheader at Covenant Health Park.
Starting at 5 p.m. to make up Wednesday's rainout, Knoxville and Birmingham battled for seven innings. Another seven-inning game is scheduled for roughly 40 minutes after the conclusion of the first.
Smokies shortstop Jefferson Rojas helped get the scoring started for Knoxville in the bottom of the third inning, making the score 1-0 with a walk that scored Ethan Hearn. It was an inning later that the game started getting out of hand.
The fourth inning was like a merry-go-round for the Smokies, with a bases-loaded walk drawn by Devin Ortiz scoring Edgar Alvarez shortly after a wild pitch that scored Owen Ayers. Two more bases-loaded walks scored two more runs, making the score 5-0 before a three-RBI triple by Ayers extended the Smokies' lead to 8-0.
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.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Smokies vs. Barons Game 1?
The Smokies won Game 1 against the Barons with a final score of 8-1.
When is the second game of the Smokies and Barons doubleheader?
The second game of the doubleheader is scheduled to start approximately 40 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1.
Who scored the first run for the Smokies in Game 1?
Jefferson Rojas scored the first run for the Smokies by drawing a walk that brought Ethan Hearn home.
What contributed to the Smokies' scoring in the fourth inning?
The Smokies scored multiple runs in the fourth inning due to wild pitches and bases-loaded walks, culminating in a three-RBI triple by Owen Ayers.
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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.
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.
1 / 30
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.
2 / 30
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.
3 / 30
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.
5 / 30
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.
6 / 30
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.
7 / 30
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.
9 / 30
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.
10 / 30
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.
12 / 30
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.
13 / 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.
14 / 30
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.
15 / 30
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.
16 / 30
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.
17 / 30
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.
18 / 30
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.
19 / 30
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.
20 / 30
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.
21 / 30
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.
26 / 30
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.
29 / 30
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.
Birmingham's lone run came courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of third baseman Jeral Perez in the sixth inning. The Barons never held the lead.
Brooks Caple started on the mound for Knoxville and lasted 3.2 innings, giving up two hits and striking out six batters before being replaced by reliver Marino Santy.
Santy earned the win for the Smokies, giving up two hits and one run while striking out four batters over 2.1 innings pitched.
Smokies batters walked 10 times in the game.
Smokies standout player of the game: Owen Ayers
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.
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.
Early signs suggest a hot streak could be brewing for catcher Owen Ayers, whose triple made the Smokies lead insurmountable in the fourth inning − one day after he contributed Knoxville's lone run vs. Birmingham with a solo homer.
Ayers drew a walk in the game and finished one-for-two at the plate, with three RBIs and one run scored.
Knoxville Smokies record in Southern League North
The Smokies are now 15-15, sitting in second place in the Southern League North. The Chattanooga Lookouts lead the division, four games ahead of the Smokies.
First-half standings (as of 7:20 p.m. May 8):
Chattanooga Lookouts (20-10)
Knoxville Smokies (15-15)
Rocket City Trash Pandas (15-15)
Birmingham Barons (14-16)
Upcoming games, promotions at Covenant Health Park
The Smokies have three games left in the home series, which wraps up Sunday, May 10. Here are the deals and promotions fans can look forward to all week long (all games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted):
Friday, May 8 (second half of doubleheader): Camo Replica Jersey (giveaway for first 2,000 fans began when gates opened for the doubleheader)
Saturday, May 9: Big League Chew T-shirt Giveaway (first 1,000 fans get free shirt), Summer Firework Series
2 p.m. Sunday, May 10: Clear Purse Giveaway for Mother's Day (first 500 women get clear purse)
Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor for Knox News. Email: ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com; Cell: 865-317-5138; Instagram: @knoxscruff.