Connor Nelson
KNOXVILLE, TN - Two division contenders collide this week at Covenant Health Park as the Knoxville Smokies and Montgomery Biscuits square off in a matchup loaded with playoff implications and elite talent on both sides. Knoxville enters the series chasing first place in the Southern League North behind one of the most dominant pitching staffs in all of Double-A baseball, while Montgomery arrives atop the Southern League South powered by the league’s hottest offense. It’s strength versus strength — a Smokies staff that has overwhelmed opponents all month against a Biscuits lineup that has punished nearly every pitcher it has faced in May. With both clubs battling to stay on top of crowded division races, expect a postseason atmosphere, electric pitching matchups, and plenty of fireworks throughout the week in downtown Knoxville.
First pitch for the series is set for 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Covenant Health Park.
The Knoxville Smokies return home this week after battling to a hard-fought split in Columbus against the Clingstones, keeping themselves firmly in the Southern League North race. Entering the series at 21-18, Knoxville sits just two games behind first-place Chattanooga and continues to lean on one of the most dominant pitching staffs in all of Double-A baseball. Through the first half of May, the Smokies have allowed the fewest runs, hits, and home runs in the Southern League while also pacing the circuit in strikeouts (407). Knoxville’s staff ERA of 2.83 in May is currently the best mark across all Double-A clubs.
While the offense has been streaky at times, the Smokies have found power when they’ve needed it most. Knoxville has launched 21 home runs over 15 games this month, helping keep the club competitive even during lower-scoring stretches. The long ball has become a major equalizer for a lineup capable of changing games quickly at Covenant Health Park.
The Montgomery Biscuits arrive in Knoxville after splitting a six-game series at home against the Biloxi Shuckers. Montgomery currently holds first place in the Southern League South, sitting just a half-game ahead of Columbus in one of the tightest division races in Double-A, with every South Division club within 2.5 games of first place entering the week.
Offensively, few teams in Minor League Baseball have been hotter in May than Montgomery. The Biscuits lead the Southern League this month in OPS (.847), home runs (29), RBIs (87), and batting average (.264), showcasing one of the deepest and most explosive lineups Knoxville will face all season. Their biggest vulnerability, however, has come late in games, as Montgomery’s bullpen has struggled to a 6.05 ERA during the month of May. Last season, the Smokies and Biscuits split their season series evenly, setting the stage for another tightly contested matchup this week.
Players to Watch
For Knoxville, outfielder Alex Ramirez enters the week swinging one of the hottest bats in all of Double-A baseball. The Cubs prospect put together a monster series in Columbus, batting .440 (11-for-25) with two home runs, 10 RBIs, 19 total bases, and a 1.204 OPS. Despite those numbers, Ramirez was surprisingly passed over for Southern League Player of the Week honors. Still, his impact on Knoxville’s offense has been undeniable, leading the team with 30 RBI, especially during a stretch where the Smokies have relied heavily on timely power hitting. Ramirez has consistently delivered in big moments this season and will look to stay locked in against another first-place opponent.
On the mound, all eyes will be on right-hander Jake Knapp. The reigning National College Pitcher of the Year returned from a brief 13-day injured list stint last week and immediately looked sharp, tossing 2.2 no-hit innings against Columbus. Knoxville has been careful easing him back into action, but Friday’s start could mark a significant step forward as he continues to build his workload. Knapp’s combination of command and swing-and-miss stuff gives the Smokies another dangerous arm atop an already dominant pitching staff.
Montgomery counters with the hottest hitter in the Southern League, outfielder Austin Overn. The 23-year-old exploded against Biloxi last week, earning Southern League Player of the Week honors after slashing .524 (11-for-21) with three home runs, five RBIs, six stolen bases, 21 total bases, and a staggering 1.600 OPS. Overn arrived in the Rays organization as part of the trade package that sent Shane Baz to Baltimore, and he has quickly become one of Montgomery’s most dynamic offensive threats thanks to his combination of power and speed.
The Biscuits will also feature one of Tampa Bay’s top young arms in Friday night’s marquee pitching matchup. Right-hander TJ Nichols, the Rays’ No. 7 overall prospect, recently returned from injury and impressed in his first outing back by allowing just one run across five innings. Nichols attacks hitters with a fastball that routinely sits 95-97 mph and can reach 99, making him one of the hardest throwers in the Southern League. His showdown against Jake Knapp on Friday has the potential to become one of the best pitching matchups Knoxville has seen all season.
Probable Pitching Matchups
5/19 Tuesday, 7:00 PM ET
RHP Yenrri Rojas vs. RHP Garret Edwards
5/20 Wednesday, 7:00 PM ET
RHP Grant Kipp vs. RHP Michael Forret
5/22 Friday, 7:00 PM ET
RHP Jake Knapp vs. RHP TJ Nichols
5/23 Saturday, 5:00 PM ET
Game 1: RHP Brooks Caple vs. RHP Gary Gill Hill
Game 2: RHP Tyler Schlaffer vs. RHP Santiago Suarez
5/24 Sunday, 2:00 PM ET
RHP Nick Dean vs. RHP Jackson Baumeister
With two first-place contenders meeting at a pivotal point in the season, this series has all the ingredients to become one of the most entertaining matchups of the year at Covenant Health Park. Knoxville will look to continue its pitching dominance and gain ground in the Southern League North race, while Montgomery aims to keep its explosive offense rolling and maintain control of the South Division. From marquee pitching duels to red-hot bats on both sides, every game feels capable of swinging momentum in the standings. If early-season playoff baseball exists in May, this week in Knoxville might be the closest thing to it.
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