Knoxville Smokies fall to Trash Pandas in playoff opener, 9-2

The Knoxville Smokies lost to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, 9-2, in Game 1 of their best-of-three playoff series on September 15, 2026. The Trash Pandas jumped ahead early, scoring a leadoff home run in the second inning. Knoxville managed to tie the game briefly, but surrendered a three-run home run in the sixth inning that sealed their defeat. Brooks Caple took the loss for Knoxville, allowing three runs over 5.1 innings. The Smokies will return home for Game 2 on September 17, where they must win to keep their season alive.

• 2:14 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs Knoxville Smokies Wrap: Knoxville falls to Trash Pandas, 9-2