The Tennessee Smokies (28-28; 55-71) blew open the lid of a five game series with the Montgomery Biscuits (31-24; 65-60), pounding out 23 hits to beat the home team 11-2.

After mashing 24 hits against the Birmingham Barons last week, the Smokies offense exploded once again Monday night, setting an all-time record for hits against Biscuits pitchers.

Tennesse started early against Biscuits starter Jason Cromer, racking up 12 hits, but only managed to plate three runners in the first five frames. The Smokies left 11 men on base in the first five, before stranding 16 total.

Leading 3-1, the Smokies blusted the game open with a five-run sixth inning. Nate Spears started the attack with a solo home run to lead off the frame and Matt Matulia ended it with a grand slam, giving the Smokies an 8-1 lead.

There would be four Tennessee homers in all, in addition to two five-hit performances from Sam Fuld and Wellington Castillo.

Both Roger Deago and Colter Bean struggled out of the bullpen for Montgomery. The duo allowed seven runs in just two and 1/3 innings after Cromer departed. Deago lasted just 1/3 of an inning, followed two innings later, by Bean's ejection for arguing balls and strikes after giving up his second home run.

Tennessee starter Marco Carrillo pitched well, picking up his second victory and giving the Smokies just their fourth win in 16 games against the Biscuits. He allowed 6 hits and just one run in five innings.

The one tally against Carrillo came on a Rhyne Hughes solo homer in first. The Biscuits did not score again until the ninth inning, when Gaby Martinez provided an RBI single. Montgomery left 12 runners on base.

Matt Spring had a solid game, going 3-for-4 with a double.

Heath Rollins makes his Riverwalk Stadium debut tomorrow night, as the Biscuits look to rebound in game two, set to begin at 7:05.

Courtesy: Biscuits Media Relations