MADISON, AL - The Rocket City Trash Pandas (21-18, 56-51) scored twice in the seventh inning on Jake Thompson’s go-ahead two-run single and held on for a 2-1 victory over the Birmingham Barons (17-22, 43-65) on Sunday afternoon in front of 3,974 fans at Toyota Field. The victory gave Rocket City its second consecutive series win after taking four of six from Birmingham and moved the Trash Pandas back into sole possession of first place in the Southern League North Division second-half standings heading into a pivotal six-game road series against Knoxville.
Rocket City starter Eybersson Polanco and Birmingham right-hander Dylan Cumming traded zeroes through the first four innings. Polanco retired the Barons in order in each of the first two frames before working around a walk in the third, striking out James Taussig and Dylan Campbell along the way.
Birmingham threatened against Polanco in the fourth. After a strikeout opened the inning, Caleb Bonemer and Anthony DePino drew consecutive walks before Polanco picked Bonemer off first. Colby Shelton followed with a single to right to put runners at the corners, but Polanco escaped by getting Ryan Burrowes to ground into a force out to keep the game scoreless.
The Barons put another runner in scoring position in the fifth when Jorge Corona doubled with one out. Polanco struck out Jose Colmenares for the second out before Dylan Phillips entered and struck out Dylan Campbell to strand Corona. Polanco finished with 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out five.
Birmingham finally broke through in the sixth. Alec Briley drew a leadoff walk against Phillips before Anthony DePino singled to left. After Phillips struck out Bonemer, Shelton doubled to center to score Briley and give the Barons a 1-0 lead. Camden Minacci (W, 3-2) entered with runners at second and third and one out and prevented further damage, getting Taussig to pop out before striking out Corona.
Minacci returned for a perfect seventh, striking out Colmenares and Briley around a foul popout from Campbell. The right-hander retired all five batters he faced and struck out three over 1.2 scoreless innings.
After being held to three hits through six innings, the Trash Pandas finally broke through against Cumming in the seventh. Tucker Flint opened the inning with a walk before Caleb Bartolero reached on a bunt single, putting the first two batters aboard. Jacob Cozart moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt before Birmingham turned to Jackson Kelley. Thompson greeted the right-hander with a two-run single to left, scoring Flint and Bartolero to put Rocket City in front, 2-1.
Kenyon Yovan (S, 11) took over in the eighth and worked around a pair of walks and a hit batter. After Caleb Bonemer walked to open the inning, Anthony DePino grounded into a double play turned by Mac McCroskey, Nick Rodriguez and Bartolero. Yovan then walked Shelton and hit Burrowes before getting Taussig on a force out to preserve the one-run lead.
Yovan returned for the ninth and worked around a leadoff walk to Corona by striking out the next three hitters in succession. The right-hander fanned Colmenares, Campbell and Briley to finish the victory and earn his 11th save of the season. Yovan allowed no hits and struck out three over 2.0 scoreless innings.
Thompson accounted for half of Rocket City’s four hits, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and both RBIs. Bartolero and McCroskey recorded the other two hits, while Flint walked twice and scored the tying run.
Rocket City’s pitching staff limited Birmingham to four hits and added 13 strikeouts while holding the Barons to 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and stranding 10 runners. Polanco, Minacci and Yovan combined for 8.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 11. Rocket City hurlers fanned 75 batters on the week, which led the Southern League.
The Trash Pandas will enjoy an off day Monday before opening a pivotal six-game series against the Knoxville Smokies on Tuesday night at Covenant Health Park. The first pitch is set for 6:05 pm CT with RHP Austin Gordon getting the start for the Trash Pandas. Fans can watch on Bally Sports Live, MiLB.TV, or MLB.TV. The game can be heard on ESPN 97.7 The Zone and Talk Radio WZZN 97.7 FM HD-2.
Upcoming Promotions at Toyota Field:
Vs. Biloxi | August 18-23
- Tuesday, August 18: Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesday, welcoming fans and their four-legged friends to Toyota Field.
- Wednesday, August 19: Wine Wednesday featuring select $5 wines throughout the ballpark.
- Thursday, August 20: Nelson Rada Gold Glove Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 1,000 adults, plus Throwback Thursday and live music.
- Friday, August 21: Huntsville Stars Night featuring specialty Stars jerseys, a hat raffle, a tribute to Microwave Dave, and Friday Night Fireworks.
- Saturday, August 22: Cullman Oktoberfest Night featuring a Beer Stein Giveaway for the first 1,000 adults 21+, followed by Saturday Night Fireworks.
- Sunday, August 23: Lunáticos Day featuring a Sprocket Sugar Skull Bobblehead Giveaway for the first 1,500 fans, plus pregame autographs, face painting, and Kids Run the Bases.
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.