Jacksonville scored eight runs in two innings while their pitchers shut out the Lookouts Monday night, 10-0.

Just when it seemed that things couldn't get any worse for the 2005 Lookouts, it got worse - in fact it was ugly.

Chattanooga's starting pitcher, hard luck Phil Dumatrait (1-6), gave up just one earned run in 6.0 innings pitched. He gave up three hits, walked five, and fanned four. The left handed pitcher is the only Lookout pitcher whose earned run average is under 3.00.

Suns starter Jon Broxton (3-2) pitched 6.0 innings also. He gave up four hits, no runs, no walks, and struck out nine batters.

The Suns bullpen did its job - three innings, two hits and no runs.

What about Chattanooga's bullpen? The numbers speak for themselves. Jacksonville plated five runs in the seventh inning off Jeremy Schmidt; they added three more runs in the eighth inning off Eric Eckenstahler. Only first baseman Kyle Nichols, who threw the ninth inning, kept the Suns from crossing home plate.

The unearned run off Dumatrait in the fifth inning may speak volumes about the Lookouts at this point in the season. After walking with two outs, Todd Donovan attempted to steal second base; no one was covering the base and Donovan raced to third as the ball went into center field. Center fielder Norris Hopper misplayed the errant throw, allowing the speedy Donovan to score the Suns second run. Sergio Garcia then struck out to end the inning. Many in the crowd, announced as 2,087, booed as the Lookouts came off the field.

Score by Innings - - - - R H E

Suns -- 001 - 010 - 530 -- 10-12-0
Looks - 000 - 000 - 000 --- 0--6-2

Chattanooga's record is now 22-36 -- 8-22 at home. Winners of one of their last ten games, the Lookouts are 17.5 games behind the first place Carolina Mudcats.

The Suns doubled the hit production of the Lookouts - 12 to 6. Although they scored 10 runs, Jacksonville left 11 runners on base. Chattanooga left 6 base runners.

The hitting star for the Suns was Donovan who was 4-for-6, including a home run.

Ironically, the Dodgers #1 prospect, Joel Guzman, did not play in the game.

Six of the Lookouts had one hit a piece.

* * * *

Hope springs eternal and the Lookouts take the field Tuesday night against Jacksonville at 7:15 p.m.

Chad Billingsley, the Dodger's top pitching prospect, starts for the Suns in Jacksonville's final appearance of the season.

Chattanooga's Richie Gardner, #3 Reds prospect, will go for manager Jayhawk Owens.

Although his record seems otherwise, Phil Dumatrait is pitching well since joining the Lookouts from rehab. Click to enlarge photo.
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt