Dodd Delivers Strong Start, M-Braves Fall to Smokies 3-1

PEARL, MS - LHP Dylan Dodd posted a season-high nine strikeouts in six strong innings, but the Mississippi Braves (56-65, 27-25) lost to the Tennessee Smokies (65-57, 28-25) 3-1 on Wednesday night at Trustmark Park.

Dodd gave up two runs, one earned, in his six innings. He struck out nine to no walks, retiring 10 in a row at one point. Dodd dropped to an unlucky 0-4 with a 3.22 ERA in seven Double-A starts. He has 44 strikeouts to 11 walks.

The Smokies scored two runs off two hits and two errors in the second inning to take a 2-0 lead.

The next four innings went scoreless. Dodd got into trouble in the sixth after giving up back-to-back singles to start the inning. He picked up a strikeout and a flyout with two runners in scoring position to keep it at 2-0.

Tennessee added another run in the seventh to make it 3-0. In the bottom of the inning, Javier Valdes walked to start the inning. With two outs, Riley Delgado singled down the third-base line to put runners on the corners. A flyout by Logan Brown ended the threat.

RHP Justin Yeager struck out the side in order in the ninth. He has 46 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings this season.

The M-Braves started a rally in the final frame. Cade Bunnell and Jordan Cowan each walked. With two outs, Brown singled to left center to score Bunnell. Dean lasered a ball that was snagged at the mound by RHP Hunter Bigge to end the game at 3-1.

Brown went 2-for-4 with an RBI, leading the M-Braves offense that notched five hits in the loss.

The third game of the series is on Thursday at Trustmark Park. RHP Tanner Gordon (8-4, 5.72) makes the start for Mississippi against RHP Ryan Jensen (2-4, 4.55) for Tennessee. The first pitch is at 6:35 pm CT, with coverage starting at 6:20 pm CT on 103.9 WYAB, First Pitch App, and MiLB.tv.