MADISON, AL — The Rocket City Trash Pandas (19-17, 54-50) scored six unanswered runs, highlighted by Jacob Cozart's first Double-A home run and two doubles, and three RBIs from new Angels top position-player prospect Arjun Nimmala, to rally past the Birmingham Barons (16-20, 42-63), 6-3, on Thursday night at Toyota Field. The victory kept Rocket City tied for first place in the Southern League North Division second-half standings.
Birmingham jumped in front with a pair of runs against Rocket City starter Nate Snead in the top of the first inning. Dylan Campbell opened the game with a ground-rule double to right-center before Caleb Bonemer doubled him home two batters later. Bonemer advanced to third on a groundout and scored when Ryan Burrowes reached on a throwing error, giving the Barons a 2-0 lead.
Rocket City began its comeback in the second. Cozart cut the deficit in half by launching a solo home run to right-center off Birmingham starter Lucas Gordon, his first home run since joining the Trash Pandas.
The Trash Pandas pulled even an inning later. Cole Fontenelle was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored when Nimmala lined an RBI double to center, tying the game at 2-2.
Rocket City broke the game open with four runs in the fourth. Cozart drew a leadoff walk before Randy De Jesus reached on a fielder's choice. Anthony Scull followed with a double to center, putting runners at second and third. Fontenelle then gave the Trash Pandas their first lead of the night with a two-run double to left, making it 4-2.
After Nick Rodriguez walked, he and Fontenelle executed a double steal to move into scoring position. Nimmala followed with his second double of the night, driving home both runners and extending the Rocket City lead to 6-2.
Snead settled in after Birmingham's two-run first inning and kept the Barons off the scoreboard over his final three frames. The right-hander allowed two runs, only one earned, on six hits over 4.0 innings while walking two and striking out four.
Dylan Phillips (W, 1-0) took over in the fifth and earned his first Rocket City win. Birmingham scored its final run in the sixth after Samuel Zavala reached on an error and eventually scored on Jordan Sprinkle's two-out RBI double, trimming Rocket City's lead to 6-3. Phillips allowed one unearned run on two hits over 2.0 innings while striking out two.
The Barons threatened again in the seventh and eighth against Camden Minacci, but were unable to cut further into the deficit. Birmingham put runners at the corners with one out in the seventh before Minacci struck out Colby Shelton and Samuel Zavala to escape the jam. In the eighth, the Barons put two aboard with two outs before Kenyon Yovan entered and retired Alec Briley on a flyout to end the threat.
Yovan returned for the ninth and retired the Barons in order to finish off the victory and earn his 10th save of the season. Minacci earned his seventh hold after tossing 1.2 scoreless innings.
Nimmala finished 2-for-2 with two doubles, three RBIs and two walks, while Scull went 3-for-4 with two doubles. Cozart added his solo home run as Rocket City collected five doubles among its seven hits.
Despite being outhit 11-7 and committing three errors, the Trash Pandas held Birmingham to just 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position while stranding 11 Barons on base.
The Trash Pandas and Barons continue their series on Thursday night at Toyota Field. RHP Kyle Robinson (1-1, 6.43 with AA Altoona) makes his first start for Rocket City and will face off against RHP Juan Carela (0-1, 3.86) for the Barons. Fans can watch on Angels Broadcast Television (ABTV), Bally Sports Live, MiLB.TV, or MLB.TV, with local coverage also airing on WAAY-TV Ch. 31.6, and listen on ESPN 97.7 The Zone and Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 FM HD-2.
Friday's Promotions:
- Friday Night Fireworks: Stay after the game for another spectacular fireworks show over Toyota Field, presented by Still Serving Veterans.
- You Are Not Alone Night: Join the Trash Pandas for an evening dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, support, and community.
- Thompson Tractor Community Hero: The Trash Pandas will honor a local hero during the game. Fans can submit nominations at trashpandasfoundation.com.
Tickets are available at TPTix.com. Fans can book a group outing for the 2026 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or by calling the group sales department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2. A complete promotional schedule for the season can be found HERE.
Fans are reminded that Toyota Field follows MiLB's clear bag policy. Guests are allowed one clear bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Small, clear clutches are also permitted. Exceptions will be made for medical needs and parents with infants (diaper bags). Learn more about this policy here.
ABOUT THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS
Owned and operated by BallCorps, LLC, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are the proud Double-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels in the Southern League. The Trash Pandas play at state-of-the-art Toyota Field in Madison, Alabama. The organization's mission is to unite our communities by creating positive and lasting memories one experience at a time.