Fireworks on and off the field as ‘Bash Pandas’ return home

MADISON – The Rocket City Trash Pandas literally came out swinging to start the second half of the Southern League season, scoring a torrid seven-plus runs per game in bolting to the top of the North division.

Following an 8-5 win Tuesday in Birmingham, the Trash Pandas held a one-game lead over Tennessee in the second half. Rocket City and the Barons closed out their series Wednesday night in the Magic City.

Now, it’s on to Madison where the Trash Pandas and Barons, winner of the division’s first half, meet in a three-game set beginning tonight featuring an Independence Day celebration. After two days off Sunday and Monday, the Trash Pandas will host the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in a six-game series starting Tuesday.

Also this week, the Trash Pandas announced right-handed pitcher Caden Dana has been selected to pitch in the MLB All-Star Futures Game. Dana will join the American League roster as one of nine pitchers. Through 15 starts with the Trash Pandas, Dana holds a 5-6 record with a 3.09 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 84.1 innings pitched.

He becomes the fifth Trash Panda in franchise history to be selected to the Futures Game, joining pitchers Reid Detmers and Ky Bush, catcher Edgar Quero and infielder Kyren Paris. 

Daily schedule:

• Tonight – Independence Weekend Fireworks Night 
  Limited Tickets Remain
  Gates Open: All gates open at 5 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 4:30 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Post-Game Fireworks blast off courtesy of SAIC.
  Extended Happy Hour: Fans 21 and older can get $3 domestic drafts from 5-7 p.m., at the Inline Electric Rock Porch and Bandito’s in the Bill Penney Toyota Plaza.
• Friday – Independence Weekend Fireworks Night
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 5 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Stick around after the game for a fireworks show that will light up the night, sponsored by GoodFeet.
  Tennessee Titans Night: 1,000 fans will receive mini footballs upon entrance; “T-Rac” and Titans Cheerleaders will be in attendance to appear on-field and sign autographs; Enter-to-Win Contest featuring a Calvin Ridley jersey
• Saturday – Independence Weekend Fireworks Night
  Gates Open: All gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Trustmark VIP Gates open at 4:30 p.m. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.
  Post-Game Fireworks Spectacular caps off July 4th Weekend presented by Avid Hotels.

Concessions Specials:

Check out this homestand’s concessions specials and visit TrashPandasFood.com for more details: 

• The Pigout Sandwich (at Dumpster Dive)
  House Smoked Bologna, Pulled Pork, Conecuh Sausage and American Cheese topped with BBQ Sauce 
• Pork Wings with Cowboy Sauce (at Gravity Grille)
  Seasoned and Seared Mini Pork Shank Lollipops, Coated in House Made Cowboy Sauce 
• Apple Fritter Sundae (at All Stars)
  Apple Fritter topped with Ice Cream, Apple Pie Filling, Carmel Sauce and Whipped Cream 
• The Bird Dog (at Sprocket’s Grill)
  Grilled Chicken Sausage served on a Slightly Toasted Waffle, topped with Crispy Bacon, Shredded Colby Jack, drizzled with House Made Spicy and Honey Mustard, garnished with Green Onions 

Tickets for all Trash Pandas home games start at just $8 at tptix.com.