Derick Powell Launches Four Homers in Career Night as Trash Pandas Defeat Smokies 10-5
MADISON, AL — Derick Powell made sure no one left Toyota Field without remembering his name.
The Rocket City Trash Pandas' rookie first baseman erupted for four home runs in a 10-5 win over the Knoxville Smokies on Tuesday night, capping off one of the most impressive single-game performances in team history—and launching himself into the spotlight in the process.
Powell's first blast of the night was the first home run of his professional career. By the end of the night, it was merely the opening act.
“Once I saw the first one clear, I just exhaled,” Powell said. “All the nerves, the pressure—gone. After that, I just felt locked in.”
Powell homered again in the fourth, sixth, and eighth innings, driving in five of Rocket City’s 10 runs and sending the home crowd into a frenzy with each swing. The final line: 4-for-5, four home runs, five RBIs, and a standing ovation that shook the stands.
His third homer of the night—a towering three-run shot to dead center—broke a 5-5 tie and put the Trash Pandas in control for good. By the time he came up in the eighth, fans were on their feet before he even stepped into the box.
“I’ve been around this game a long time, and you just don’t see nights like that,” said Rocket City manager Andy Schatzley. “That’s the kind of performance that guys remember for the rest of their lives.”
Powell, a known power hitter with questions surrounding his defense at first base, showed exactly why the organization has been so high on his bat. The 22-year-old had yet to hit a home run in his brief pro career entering Tuesday night—he left with four.
With the win, Rocket City improves to 2-2 on the season. Knoxville got home runs from Andy Garriola and Pablo Aliendo, but simply couldn’t match Powell’s power surge.
For Powell, the night was more than just numbers—it was validation.
“I’ve always believed in what I can do at the plate,” he said. “To have a night like this, here at home, in front of these fans—it’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Trash Pandas continue their series against the Smokies Wednesday night, but Powell has already given fans a memory that will be hard to top.
I was excited about playing for the Trash Pandas ha ha. Angels not so much! I’m not sure what happened with the sudden surge of home runs but I have bumped up the difficulty as a result
