The Lookouts jumped off to an early lead, but the Carolina Mudcats produced a three-run sixth inning to surmount the Lookouts' lead. The pivotal inning resulted in a 4-3 win for Carolina in Thursday night action at AT&T Field.
The Lookouts came out swinging in the first frame. James Tomlin led off with a walk and advanced to second on a Ramon Nivar hit by pitch. Andrew Lambo then ripped a double to left to score both runners. Josh Bell followed with a single to push Lambo to third. After an Eddy Perez fly out, Mike Rose hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field to put the score at 3-0.
Todd Frazier put the Mudcats on the board with a solo shot to lead off the fourth inning.
Carolina would take the lead in the sixth by plating three runs. Sean Henry led off with a triple and promptly found his way home on a Jose Castro run-resulting ground out to second base. After a Frazier fly out, Juan Francisco reached on a fielding error committed by Nivar. The second baseman's error proved to be costly, as Zack Cozart then proceeded to blast a two-run shot over the left field wall to give Carolina a 4-3 edge.
The Mudcats bullpen took care of business on the mound to preserve the victory, led by Logan Ondrusek, who pitched the ninth to earn his third save of the season.
Jordan Smith (5-3) was credited with the win. In five innings, he yielded three runs, five hits, and two walks. He struck out three in the performance.
Travis Chick (6-4) took the loss for the Lookouts. In seven innings of work, he surrendered four runs (two earned) on six hits. He struck out seven, while not walking a single batter.
The Chattanooga Lookouts and Carolina Mudcats will conclude their five-game series at 6:15 P.M., Friday. Tickets for this game, which are on the verge of selling out, or any other Lookouts home game can be purchased at the Lookouts Box Office at AT&T Field, online at www.lookouts.com, or by calling (423) 267-4849.