How did Blake Burke perform in his return to Knoxville?

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Blake Burke became one of the most popular visiting players in Smokies history over the weekend, suiting up for the Milwaukee Brewers’ Double-A affiliate Biloxi Shuckers for six games inside Covenant Health Park.

The six-game series was Burke’s first time playing in Knoxville since starring for the Volunteers from 2022-24.

The series also served as just the second Burke participated in since being called up from High-A Wisconsin. Here’s how the VFL performed during his return to Knoxville.

GAME ONE | SMOKIES 5, SHUCKERS 4

While Burke didn’t record a hit in his first game in Knoxville, he did enjoy a solid outing. The first baseman reached base in three of his four plate appearances, drawing three walks.

GAME TWO | SHUCKERS 8, SMOKIES 4

Game two saw Burke record his first hit of the week, a two-run double to give Biloxi an early 2-0 lead. The hit was Burke’s only of the night and his first extra base hit in Double-A. He finished the game 1-5.

GAME THREE | SMOKIES 2, SHUCKERS 0

The resumption of a suspended game on Wednesday proved to be a quiet one for Burke. The first baseman recorded two more walks but was held hitless, ending the game 0-2.

GAME FOUR | SHUCKERS 2, SMOKIES 1

Following game three, the Shuckers won a pitcher’s duel as Burke drove in one of Biloxi’s two runs on a sacrifice fly. He ended the day 0-2 with an RBI and two strikeouts.

GAME FIVE | SHUCKERS 4, SMOKIES 2

Saturday’s game proved to be Burke’s best of the weekend. It may have had something to do with him wearing his Tennessee baseball pants for the game.

In his first at-bat, Burke launched a two-run home run over the right field wall for his first career Double-A home run.

Burke collected two more hits, a single and a double, to give him a three-hit ball game. He finished the game 3-4 with 2 RBI. The three-hit performance pushed his batting average above .300.

GAME SIX | SMOKIES 3, SHUCKERS 2

In the final game of the week, Burke wasted no time putting on a show. For the second day in a row, he gave Biloxi an early lead with a two run home run.

Burke’s blast would be one of just two Biloxi hits in the game.

FINAL NUMBERS