Temps, Smokies cool in 2-1 loss

The 5,404 fans at Smokies Park certainly seemed to enjoy the 57-minute rain delay that soaked the field and dropped the temperature into the mid-70s Sunday night.

Tennessee did not. The hot hitting that has come through in timely situations to push the Smokies atop the North Division standings cooled as surely as the thermometer dropped as Birmingham managed a 2-1 victory. The Smokies maintained their two-game lead over Chattanooga as Jacksonville downed the Lookouts 12-4.

The weather couldn't be held totally responsible as Baron starter Lance Broadway (W, 8-7) continued his near mastery of the Smokies with his third win against the Diamondbacks' AA affiliate. Broadway surrendered hits but gave no blood. The Smokies never managed a knock with runners in scoring position during the loss.

``He's just lights out. He's one of the better pitchers,'' Smokies manager Bill Plummer said of Broadway's night. ``He had his breaking stuff working.''

The Barons (19-23) got to Smokies starter Ross Ohlendorf just once, but it was enough. The right-hander, who is tied for complete games (4) and is second in innings pitched -- ¾ of a frame behind Montgomery's Andrew Sonnanstine's 153 ¾, gave up his first hit on a game-tying home run by designated-hitter Mark Quinn in the sixth.

Thomas Callero's RBI double scored Cory Aldridge for the go-ahead run two batters later.

``You want to win them all, especially with a pitching performance like that,'' Plummer said. ``It's unfortunate he (Ohlendorf) got the loss after a performance like that.''

The Smokies (25-18) took an early edge from a Jamie D'Antona solo home run in the second. The first baseman was 4-of-4 with his parents in the stands.

``It's always tough when someone throws a complete game -- a three-hitter,'' D'Antona said. ``To lose 2-1, it's tough but it's baseball; it happens.''

Tennessee continued to push the league as D'Antona's shot over the TVA Employees Credit Union sign in center was the team's 103rd blast this season -- which leads the Southern League comfortably in the category with at least 20 more round-trippers than any other club.

``We had some opportunities,'' Plummer said, ``but what can you say. We'll get them tomorrow.''

The series resumes tonight at 7:15 with the Smokies sending southpaw Greg Smith (4-3, 4.50 ERA) against Birmingham's Lucas Harrell (0-2, 10.24).

WINNING CHOICE: Democratic candidate for Blount County Mayor Joe Gallagher got a win of sorts in the press box pre-game ritual. Gallagher took the pot of quarters by correctly guessing the time taken for the National Anthem by a soloist from the group Big Daddy Weave. It was the former press box manager's first visit to Smokies Park this season.

STRIP TEASE: Smokies pitcher Bill White began a three-game suspension from the Southern League office Sunday for his action in Saturday's win. White threw his hat and glove onto the field; he then tossed both shoes and his game shirt out of the dugout after being ejected. White will be available Wednesday when Tennessee opens a crucial five-game set at second place Chattanooga.

PETE THE PAN: Director of Marketing and Communications Pete Ehmke took his last bow as a Smokie Sunday. Ehmke starts his new job in the athletic department at Northern Kentucky University. Chip Kain will add some responsibilities the remainder of the season while Ryan Cox will assist.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.