High Stakes in Knoxville: Smokies Looking to Shell the Shuckers at Covenant Health Park

Written by James Schmelzer

Fresh off a hard-fought road series, the Smokies turn the page to face the Biloxi Shuckers at Covenant Health Park for a pivotal six-game set this week. Knoxville currently sits in second place in the Southern League North standings, trailing the Birmingham Barons by seven and a half games. The Smokies will look to tighten the gap as they go up against a Biloxi squad that has already punched their ticket to the postseason and boasts one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

This will be the only meeting between these two teams this season at Covenant Health Park and it comes at a critical time for the Smokies. With just a month left in the season, each game holds heightened significance.

The Biloxi Shuckers conquered the Southern League South in the first half of the season, winning the division by four games over the second-place Montgomery Biscuits. While the Shuckers secured their playoff spot early, they have cooled down to better prepare themselves for the postseason, which comes at a perfect time for Knoxville. The Smokies finished in third place behind the Birmingham Barons and Chattanooga Lookouts in the Southern League North first half standings and are now looking to capitalize and gain ground in order to secure the second half division race.

Biloxi, the Milwaukee Brewers Double-A affiliate, comes into the series with a 14-19 record in the second half of the season, having lost four straight games to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. They have struggled on the road having gone just 8-10 away from home. Knoxville, the Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate, begins the series with an even 16-16 record.

First pitch of the homestand is set for 7:00 PM ET at Covenant Health Park on Tuesday night.

The Shuckers roll into this series as one of the most exciting teams, talent-wise, in the Southern League, bringing a dangerous mix of power and speed every night. At the center of it all is shortstop Cooper Pratt, ranked as the #37 prospect in all of Major League Baseball. Behind him is third baseman Brock Wilken, who currently leads the Southern League in home runs (18), slugging percentage (.550), and OPS (.942), but enters the series on the injured list. Also making some noise at the Double-A level is Luis Lara, the speedy 20-year-old outfielder who’s quickly climbed up the prospect rankings thanks to his elite defense, plate discipline, and ability to wreak havoc on the base paths. His all-around game has added spark to the Shuckers’ lineup. Even with their postseason spot already locked up after winning the Southern League South in the first half, the Shuckers are still playing with intensity despite their 14-19 record, currently carrying nine of the Brewers' Top 30 prospects on their roster.

The Smokies, on the other hand, look to stay alive in the Southern League North chase as they enter a pivotal series this week. Sitting at .500 with a 16-16 record, Knoxville currently sits in second place with a +11 run differential. Pitching continues to be the backbone of this squad, especially at home. The Smokies rank second in team ERA at home (3.39) behind the Birmingham Barons in the Southern League and have recorded the most team shutouts (8), proving Covenant Health Park to be a tough atmosphere for opposing lineups. At the plate, BJ Murray Jr. and Pedro Ramirez continue to be the backbone of this offense, combining for 19 RBIs over the last 10 games. The Smokies are also getting timely contributions from the rest of the lineup, with four hitters (Felix Stevens, BJ Murray Jr, Casey Opitz, Corey Joyce) batting over .260 during that span.

With a challenging stretch of games on the horizon, the Smokies are looking to gain ground in the Southern League North standings as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive as the second half of the season dwindles down.

Players to Watch

BJ Murray Jr. has been locked in for the playoff push. The Knoxville slugger has been tearing it up at the plate, hitting .275 over his last 10 games while hitting 3 home runs and driving in 14 RBIs. Murray Jr has simply become the go-to force in the heart of the Smokies lineup. Fans at Covenant Health Park have gotten used to seeing No. 7 come through when it matters the most. Murray is coming off of a month of July where he notched 23 RBIs in 24 games. His 72 RBIs still lead the Southern League. On the pitching side, right-hander Grant Kipp has been a fan favorite. In his most recent outing, Kipp carved up the Lookouts with five strong innings, allowing just one run and striking out six without issuing a single walk. He’s been everything the Smokies could’ve hoped for and more this season, jumping up into the top 30 Chicago prospects after dominating his debut season in the Southern League. Kipp is set to take the mound on Wednesday.

Darrien Miller is starting to look dangerous. The left-handed hitting catcher is finding his groove at the perfect time, batting .357 with a home run and 5 RBIs over his last 10 games. Despite flying under the radar in the Brewers system, Miller has shown flashes of big-league potential with his combination of power and patience at the plate. He could be a real problem for the Smokies pitching staff this week. Meanwhile, left-hander Tate Kuehner has quietly been dealing. The Shuckers’ pitching weapon has been locked in lately, boasting a 2.52 ERA in the month of July. Kuehner’s funky delivery and sharp command has kept opposing hitters off balance all season.

Probable Pitching Matchups

8/5 Tuesday, 7:00 PM ET (Free Hot Dog Night)

RHP Tyler Schlaffer (2-1, 2.42 ERA) vs RHP Brett Wichrowski (1-4, 2.98 ERA)

8/6 Wednesday, 7:00 PM ET (All-You-Can-Eat Wednesdays)

RHP Grant Kipp (6-3, 3.38 ERA) vs TBD

8/7 Thursday, 7:00 PM ET (Thirsty Thursdays)

RHP Antonio Santos (3-4, 2.17 ERA) vs LHP Tate Kuehner (7-5, 2.61 ERA)

8/8 Friday, 7:00 PM ET (Knoxville Giant Night/Summer Fireworks/Feel Good Fridays)

RHP Walker Powell (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs RHP Alexander Cornielle (3-6, 3.65 ERA)

8/9 Saturday, 7:00 PM ET (Paint the Park Pink Night)

RHP Tommy Romero (0-0, 2.25 ERA) vs RHP KC Hunt (6-7, 5.16 ERA)

8/10 Sunday, 2:00 PM ET (Cocomelon Day)

RHP Tyler Schlaffer (2-1, 2.42 ERA) vs RHP Brett Wichrowski (1-4, 2.98 ERA)

The Smokies aim to close the gap in the Southern League North standings as they push hard for a postseason berth in the second half. The Shuckers, meanwhile, will focus on maintaining a healthy roster as they gear up for September’s postseason push.

Make sure to visit Covenant Health Park this week as the Smokies return home to take on the Biloxi Shuckers. Friday features post-game fireworks, with more fireworks following Saturday's Paint the Park Pink Night. Fans and players will have the opportunity to recognize loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer during our in-game ceremony. The Smokies players will also be wearing pink jerseys in unity and representation of those who are battling, and who have passed in their fight against breast cancer. These jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit Covenant Health.

Listen to all the action on the radio: 92.5 FM/1180 AM WKCE