White Sox Minor League Roundup: Barons Batter Smokies

Birmingham's offense erupts for 10 runs in first three innings to power past Knoxville

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:08am

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The Birmingham Barons' offense exploded for 10 runs in the first three innings to defeat the Knoxville Smokies 10-5. Elsewhere, the Charlotte Knights blew a 5-1 lead and lost to the Nashville Sounds 7-5, while the Winston-Salem Dash split a doubleheader with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, winning the nightcap 10-5 after dropping the opener 6-2.

Why it matters

The White Sox minor league affiliates' performances provide insight into the development of the organization's top prospects and future major league talent. Strong showings from the Barons and Dash indicate the health of the farm system, while the Knights' bullpen struggles raise questions about pitching depth.

The details

In Birmingham, the Barons pounded out 12 hits and scored 10 runs in the first three innings to power past the Smokies. Lefty Shane Murphy had a solid five-inning start, allowing just two runs on a home run. Caden Connor and Calvin Harris drove in seven of the Barons' 10 runs. The Charlotte Knights built a 5-1 lead but the bullpen blew it, allowing the Sounds to rally for a 7-5 win. In the Winston-Salem doubleheader, the Dash lost the opener 6-2 as starter Dylan Cumming struggled, but bounced back to win the nightcap 10-5 behind a strong offensive performance.

  • The games were played on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Tanner McDougal

The starting pitcher for the Charlotte Knights, who allowed just one run on two hits over five innings despite walking four batters.

Shane Murphy

The starting pitcher for the Birmingham Barons, who earned the win with a five-inning, two-run outing.

Caden Connor

A Barons hitter who drove in two of Birmingham's 10 runs.

Calvin Harris

A Barons hitter who drove in five of Birmingham's 10 runs.

Dylan Cumming

The starting pitcher for the Winston-Salem Dash in the first game of their doubleheader, who struggled and allowed four runs in just one-third of an inning.

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The takeaway

The White Sox minor league affiliates had a mixed day, with the Birmingham Barons' offensive explosion and the Winston-Salem Dash's nightcap win providing bright spots, while the Charlotte Knights' bullpen struggles raised concerns about pitching depth in the system.