WIN STREAK REACHES FOUR WITH 4-1 SUNDAY
Chen picks up win to put Tennessee 4-0 on the year
PEARL, Miss. – More timely hitting and a strong starting performance for Hung-Wen Chen helped Tennessee remain unbeaten on the season with a 4-1 victory over the Mississippi Braves on Sunday afternoon at Trustmark Park.
Chen pitched five innings only allowing one run on four hits to earn the victory. He also struck out two in his 2010 debut, and is the first Smokies starter to win a game this season.
For the first time in the series, the Braves first took the lead. In the bottom of the first with two men on base, Eric Duncan hit a sacrifice fly to score Alex Romero to put Mississippi ahead 1-0.
The Smokies responded in the top of the third, as small ball helped Jake Opitz go from first to third after he walked. Opitz scored on a groundout by Tony Campana to tie the score.
Tennessee took the lead in the top of the fifth, as Ty Wright hit a 2-RBI single that scored Opitz and Chen to give Tennessee a 3-1.advantage.
The Smokies added to the lead in the top of the sixth as a wild pitch by Braves reliever Brandon Beachy allowed Robinson Chirinos to score from second to increase the lead to 4-1.
Alex Maestri tossed two scoreless innings in relief, only allowing two hits as he struck out four Braves. Jake Muyco pitched a perfect ninth to earn his second save of the season. The clubs will play the final game of the series on Monday night in Mississippi. Right-hander Craig Muschko will make his Smokies debut, and will be opposed by Braves lefty Richard Sullivan. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 pm with radio coverage on the Smokies Radio Network on the Sports Animal.