Knoxville topped the Biloxi Shuckers 7‑3 at Covenant Health Park on Friday, July 10. The decisive blow came on a go‑ahead sacrifice fly by third baseman Jefferson Rojas in the sixth inning, and catcher Owen Ayers fueled the offense with a three‑RBI, 3‑for‑5 performance. The win was the third in a four‑game series and kept the Smokies in control of the Southern League North.
Key Highlights
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Alex Ramirez (13) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Alex Ramirez (13) celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Andrew Fischer (25) during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies infielder Drew Bowser (12) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies infielder Jefferson Rojas (2) runs to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Tennessee fans clap as former Tennessee baseball player and Biloxi Shuckers infielder Blake Burke (55) walks up to bat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Andrew Fischer (25) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies infielder Jefferson Rojas (2) kisses his finger after hitting a double during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Alex Ramirez (13) watches Knoxville Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) catch the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Andrew Fischer (25) runs to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Jackson waves the Win flag during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Blake Burke (55) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
A Smokies fan puts on a frozen shirt during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) runs to home plate for a run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
A Smokies fan throws a pizza over her head during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Carter Trice (29) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
A Smokies fan sings along to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Mary Armes sings the National Anthem during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Alex Ramirez (13) smiles after hitting a three-run home run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
A young Smokies fan swings his arms during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies outfielder Alex Ramirez (13) brings in a run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies pitcher Frankie Scalzo Jr. (30) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
A Smokies fan sings along to a song during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Andrew Fischer (25) rounds second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Smokies fans race in potato sacks during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn.,on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Blake Burke (55) interacts with fans after a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Knoxville Smokies pitcher Connor Schultz (40) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Biloxi Shuckers infielder Andrew Fischer (25) high-fives teammates after bringing in a run during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/ News Sentinel)
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Knoxville Smokies baseball vs Biloxi Shuckers, our best photos
Smokies fans laugh during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 7, 2026.
“I thought our at‑baths were really good tonight,” manager Lance Rymel told Knox News. “I thought we grinded them out. We were trying to get our pitch. I thought we were able to stick to our game plan.”
Knoxville Smokies’ Owen Ayers (6) at bat during the Minor League Baseball game against the Columbus Clingstones on July 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Watch out: Smokies starter Dawson Netz was drilled by a comebacker from Jacob Hurtubise in the fifth inning, which helped Biloxi take the lead. Netz stayed in the game after a mound visit.
In a pickle: The Shuckers loaded the bases in the seventh inning, but pitcher Evan Taylor preserved Knoxville’s one‑run lead by tagging out Matthew Wood in a pickle to end the frame. “Pitchers are athletes too, right?” Rymel said. “That’s not how we practice it with the pitcher tagging out the guy, but we got it done.”
Made the play: Shuckers second baseman Dylan O’Rae dove to his left in the fifth inning for a grounder hit by Karson Simas, preventing the Smokies from taking the lead in a 3‑3 game.
Upcoming Games and Promotions
7 p.m. July 11: Mascot on the Shelf Giveaway (first 1,000 fans receive mascot on the shelf), Christmas in July (themed jerseys), Summer Fireworks Series
2 p.m. July 12: No promotions scheduled
League Standings
Southern League North
Knoxville Smokies (11‑5 second half, 49‑36 overall)
Rocket City Trash Pandas (8‑7 second half, 44‑40 overall)
Chattanooga Lookouts (6‑9 second half, 43‑42 overall)
Birmingham Barons (6‑10 second half, 32‑52 overall)
Southern League South
Pensacola Blue Wahoos (9‑7 second half, 45‑40 overall)
Biloxi Shuckers (9‑7 second half, 44‑37 overall)
Columbus Clingstones (9‑7 second half, 38‑42 overall)
Montgomery Biscuits (5‑11 second half, 40‑45 overall)
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