On The Farm: Tennessee Advances; Great Falls Ousted

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Sunday Sept. 12, 2010
Posted: 9:05 p.m.
By Kevin Czerwinski
CSNChicago.com
CUBS Tennessee AA
Tennessee used a home-run barrage to stagger West Tenn in the previous two games of its Southern League playoff series so it was no surprise that the long ball was the difference Sunday night at Smokies Park.

Steve Clevengers two-run blast in the fifth inning proved to be the difference as the Smokies bested the Diamond Jaxx, 5-2, to capture the best-of-five series and advance to the Southern League championship.

Clevenger followed Matthew Spencers one-out single with a blast to tight after West Tenn had tied the score in the top of the fifth with a home run of their own, a Guillermo Quiroz shot to left. Marwin Gonzalez tacked on an RBI single in the eighth for good measure.

Craig Muschko started and picked up the victory after allowing two runs through six innings. A nine-game winner during the regular-season, Muschko went 7-0 in July, August and September. He provided a steady influence in the Smokies biggest game of the year, striking out four and not walking a batter.

The bullpen tandem of Kyle Smit and Luke Sommer proved to be too much for West Tenn to handle as they combined for three innings of one-hit, shutout ball. Sommer was perfect over his 1 23 innings, earning the save.
WHITE SOXGreat Falls Rookie
The Voyagers were the dominant team in the Pioneer League during the regular season, particularly over the last three weeks. The post-season proved to be an entirely different situation for Great Falls, though, which was handcuffed by Helena once again Sunday
evening.

The Brewers bested the Voyagers at Centene Stadium, earning a 9-5 victory to capture their opening-round playoff series in three games. Helena moves into the Pioneer League final while Great Falls heads home.

Helena scored five third-inning runs to take a 6-0 lead and it was never close thereafter. Steven Upchurch took the loss, allowing all six of those runs in 2 13 innings. The bullpen didnt fare much better.

Ross Wilson had two hits, including a homer and two RBIs while Mike Earley added a solo homer. Ryan Hamme had three hits and picked up an RBI.

Kevin Czerwinski can be reached at ktczerwinski@gmail.com.

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