PEARL, MS-After two rain delays totaling four hours and 23 minutes, the Chattanooga Lookouts defeated the Mississippi Braves 3-0 in game one of a four-game series at Trustmark Park. The Lookouts (13-10) scored three runs on six hits while the M-Braves (8-14) managed just three hits in the contest.
After a two hour and seven minute rain delay prior to the start of Saturday's series opener, the Lookouts jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead. Rafael Ynoa doubled and took third on a ground out. He then came in to score on a Blake Smith ground out, giving Chattanooga the early advantage.
Despite a consistent drizzle, the two teams completed the bottom half of the inning before the grounds crew was forced to cover the field yet again. After another delay of two hours and 16 minutes, the M-Braves and Lookouts finally resumed play.
The Lookouts extended its lead to 3-0 in the ninth. Griff Erickson and Travis Denker reached on errors and Jake Lemmerman was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. A passed ball on Christian Bethancourt allowed Erickson to score. Anthony Jackson walked to reload the bases before Ynoa's sacrifice fly plated Denker.
Sean Gilmartin (5-7) started for the M-Braves and took the loss while Allen Webster started for the Lookouts. Both pitchers were scratched after the delay. Gilmartin gave up one earned run on two hits and a strikeout in his only inning while Webster recorded two strikeouts in his frame.
Javier Solano (2-0) worked three innings out of the pen to notch the win. He limited the M-Braves to just two hits while striking out two batters. Logan Bawcom (S, 12) came on in the final frame to record his 12th save of the season.
Brent Leach, who was originally scheduled to start on Sunday, came after the rain delay and worked six innings for the M-Braves. He limited the Lookouts to just four hits and two walks while fanning four batters.
In game two of this four-game series, right-hander Gary Moran (2-7, 3.08) is expected to counter right-hander Zach Lee (0-1, 5.14). First pitch is set for 5:00 PM. The main gate opens at 2:45 PM for Krazy Karaoke. All other gates open at 4:00 PM.
Chattanooga Lookouts (13-10, 45-46): 3 R 6 H 1 E
Mississippi Braves (8-14, 38-54): 0 R 3 H 4 E
W: Javier Solano (2-0)
L: Sean Gilmartin (5-7)
S: Logan Bawcom (12)
Time: 2:48 (4:23 delay)
Attendance: 2,089