Biloxi Shuckers Edge Knoxville Smokies on July 11

Former Vols Lead the Victory

Blake Burke and Andrew Fischer, both University of Tennessee alumni, drove in the runs that lifted the Biloxi Shuckers to a 3‑1 win over the Knoxville Smokies. Burke’s line‑drive sacrifice fly in the eighth gave Biloxi its first lead, and Fischer followed with an RBI single to right field. Smokies manager Lance Rymel praised the pair after the game, noting, “They’re two good players, as you guys know in Knoxville.”

Key Performances and Defensive Plays

Jace Beck delivered a solid start for the Smokies, striking out nine batters over five innings while allowing three hits and one run. In the fourth inning BeckFields slapped a sharp grounder on the mound, and Shuckers shortstop Eric Brown Jr. added a diving stop, each freezing the scoring chances. Right fielder Mark Coley II turned a blooper into a diving catch in the sixth, and Alex Ramirez snapped a potential double play by throwing Andrew Fischer out at second in the eighth.

Smokies’ Offensive Highlights

Jefferson Rojas plated the Smokies’ lone run with a third‑inning sacrifice fly, and Drew Bowser and Alex Madera combined for four of the team’s five hits. Both Bowser and Madera were recently promoted from High‑A South Bend, and Rymel said their arrival “gives us a lot of opportunities.” The duo’s multi‑hit night was a bright spot despite the 3‑1 defeat.

Standings and Playoff Position

At 10 p.m. on July 11 the Smokies sit atop the Southern League North with an 11‑6 second‑half record and a 49‑37 overall mark. Biloxi, the South division leader, posted a 10‑7 second‑half slate and now holds a 45‑37 overall standing. Both clubs have already secured playoff berths, with the Smokies building a modest lead over the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Upcoming Schedule

The series wraps up Sunday, July 12, with a 1 p.m. first pitch at Covenant Health Park; no special promotions are planned for the finale. Biloxi will travel for back‑to‑back road trips against the Montgomery Biscuits and Rocket City before returning for a homestand against Pensacola from July 28 to August 2. Fans can follow the Smokies’ progress as they look to maintain their Northern division advantage.

Quick Stats Summary

• Win: Biloxi Shuckers 3, Knoxville Smokies 1
• HR: No home runs recorded
• SO: Jace Beck 9 K’s
• RBI: Blake Burke (1), Andrew Fischer (1)
• LOB: Both teams stranded multiple runners in scoring position

The July 11 contest marked another chapter for the former Volunteer standouts now making an impact in the minors, and both clubs head into the final stretch with playoff spots already clinched.