Smokies Clinch First Series Win of 2026 with Walk-Off Victory

Devin Ortiz's late-game heroics lead Knoxville to series win over Rocket City Trash Pandas.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, field, and action of the game.The Smokies' dramatic comeback victory over the Trash Pandas showcases the raw energy and competitive spirit of minor league baseball.Knoxville Today

The Knoxville Smokies secured their first series win of the 2026 season with a dramatic walk-off victory over the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth, the Smokies rallied with a solo home run from Devin Ortiz to make it 3-2. Ortiz then delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth to complete the comeback.

Why it matters

The Smokies' series win over the Trash Pandas puts them in second place in the Southern League North division, keeping them within striking distance of the division-leading Chattanooga Lookouts. The win also provides momentum for the Smokies as they head out on their first road trip of the season.

The details

Smokies starter Grant Kipp had a strong outing, striking out four batters over five innings and allowing just one hit. However, Smokies reliever Jayce Beck struggled, giving up an RBI triple and a two-run home run that put the Trash Pandas up 3-1 in the eighth inning. Devin Ortiz's solo homer in the bottom of the eighth cut the deficit to one run, setting the stage for his game-winning sacrifice fly in the ninth.

  • The Smokies and Trash Pandas played their series finale on April 11, 2026.
  • The Smokies will face the Trash Pandas one more time before heading to Pensacola for their first road series of the season.

The players

Devin Ortiz

The Smokies' second baseman, who delivered the game-tying solo home run in the eighth inning and the game-winning sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Grant Kipp

The Smokies' starting pitcher, who struck out four batters over five innings and allowed just one hit.

Jayce Beck

A Smokies reliever who gave up an RBI triple and a two-run home run, putting the Trash Pandas up 3-1 in the eighth inning.

Dawson Netz

The Smokies' reliever who finished the game for Knoxville.

Karson Simas

The Smokies player who hit an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth, setting up Ortiz's game-winning sacrifice fly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ortiz's two RBIs were big ones, making him responsible for half of the Smokies scoring in the series-clinching win.”

— Ryan Wilusz, Business growth and development editor for Knox News

What’s next

The Smokies will face the Trash Pandas one more time before heading to Pensacola for the first road series of the season. Knoxville leads the series over Rocket City 4-1.

The takeaway

The Smokies' comeback victory over the Trash Pandas keeps them in the hunt in the Southern League North division and provides a boost of momentum as they prepare for their first road trip of the 2026 season.