After splitting a tough home series with the Biloxi Shuckers — who already secured the Southern League South title in the first half of the season — the Smokies hit the road this week to face the Rocket City Trash Pandas in a pivotal Southern League North showdown. Knoxville remains locked in a fierce battle to keep their playoff hopes alive, trailing the division-leading Barons by seven and a half games.

This series marks the fifth and final meeting between these two teams this season, and it comes at a crucial moment for Knoxville. With barely a month left in the season, there is absolutely no room for error for the Smokies.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas have struggled all season, sitting dead last in the Southern League North standings this year. While their playoff hopes are very slim

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