The Knoxville Smokies bounced back from Saturday's loss with a 7-2 win against the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park on April 26.
The Lookouts still took the series, winning four games in the six-game set. Chattanooga still sits atop the Southern League North standings, but the Smokies are narrowing the gap between themselves and first place.
Alex Madera got the scoring started for the Smokies in the bottom of the third inning, which ended with a 3-2 Knoxville advantage after a two-run home run by Alex Ramirez.
Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Knoxville Smokies fans make their own binoculars during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Lookouts infielder Alexander Vargas (1) misses the ball at second base as Smokies infielder Devin Ortiz (15) runs towards him during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Paige Doseck and Chloe Esmeier dance to the Naval Academy Band before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Lookouts infielder Leo Balcazar (2) waits to tag Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) out at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Knoxville Smokies fans pretend to be on a boat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.The Naval Academy Band performs before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Alex Madera (19) takes Lookouts infielder Leo Balcazar (2) out at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) slides safely to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Danielle Haas holds Adaline, 5 months old, during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Carter Trice (29) misses the catch in the outfield during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Knoxville Smokies fans sing "Take Me Out to a Ballgame" during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Knoxville Smokies fans during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies pitcher Nick Dean (33) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Musician 1st Class Lourdes Rodriguez sings the National Anthem before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) runs to first base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Young Knoxville Smokies fans make fake binoculars during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) round second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Alex Madera (19) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.The Naval Academy Band perform before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Karson Simas (1) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Knoxville Smokies fans watch the Naval Academy Band perform before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies infielder Carter Trice (29) celebrates a double during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.Smokies pitcher Dawson Netz (34) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.1 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Karson Simas (1) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.1 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Karson Simas (1) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.2 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkKnoxville Smokies fans make their own binoculars during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.3 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkLookouts infielder Alexander Vargas (1) misses the ball at second base as Smokies infielder Devin Ortiz (15) runs towards him during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.4 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkPaige Doseck and Chloe Esmeier dance to the Naval Academy Band before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.5 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkLookouts infielder Leo Balcazar (2) waits to tag Smokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) out at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.6 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkKnoxville Smokies fans pretend to be on a boat during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.7 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkThe Naval Academy Band performs before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.8 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Alex Madera (19) takes Lookouts infielder Leo Balcazar (2) out at second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.9 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) slides safely to third base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.10 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkDanielle Haas holds Adaline, 5 months old, during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.11 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Carter Trice (29) misses the catch in the outfield during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.12 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkKnoxville Smokies fans sing "Take Me Out to a Ballgame" during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.13 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkKnoxville Smokies fans during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.14 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies pitcher Nick Dean (33) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.15 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkMusician 1st Class Lourdes Rodriguez sings the National Anthem before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.16 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.17 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies outfielder Andy Garriola (22) runs to first base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.18 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkYoung Knoxville Smokies fans make fake binoculars during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.19 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Edgar Alvarez (25) round second base during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.20 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Alex Madera (19) catches the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.21 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkThe Naval Academy Band perform before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.22 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Karson Simas (1) hits the ball during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.23 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkKnoxville Smokies fans watch the Naval Academy Band perform before a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.24 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies infielder Carter Trice (29) celebrates a double during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.25 / 25Knoxville Smokies host Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health ParkSmokies pitcher Dawson Netz (34) pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 21, 2026.The game stayed quiet until the bottom of the eighth, when an Ariel Armas single scored Andy Garriola. Karson Simas then grounded out, but Carter Trice scored on the play to make the score 5-2. Madera then reached base on a throwing error that score Simas.
A line-drive single from Ramirez in the inning extended the Smokies' lead to the final score of 7-2.
Smokies starter Vince Reilly lasted just one inning on the mound, giving up two runs before being replaced by Nick Dean, who earned the win for Knoxville.
Ramirez went four-for-five at the plate, earning three RBIS that helped the Smokies outlast the Lookouts in the series finale. He also scored a run on his two-RBI home run in the bottom of the third.
The Smokies are now 9-11, placing them in second place in the Southern League North. The Lookouts lead the division.
The Smokies are on the road against Rocket City next week before returning to Covenant Health Park on May 5 for a six-game series against the Birmingham Barons. Here are the promotions on tap for the Smokies' next home stand (all games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted).
Tuesday, April 5: Cinco de Mayo Night with a chips and salsa giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
Wednesday, April 6: Ticketed all-you-can eat buffet and Healthcare Appreciation night (free baseline ticket for healthcare employees with valid ID)
Thursday, April 7: Thirsty Thursday (half-price draft beer), College Night ($10 standing room tickets with college ID), Knox Vegas jerseys
Friday, April 8: Camo replica jerseys for the first 2,000 fans
Saturday, April 9: Big League Chew T-shirt for the first 1,000 fans
Sunday, April 10: Clear purse giveaway for the first 500 women
Ryan Wilusz is the business growth and development editor for Knox News. Email: ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com; Cell: 865-317-5138; Instagram: @knoxscruff.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Smokies win 7-2 but drop series to Lookouts ahead of road trip