Manager Jody Reed speaks with homeplate umpire Shane Livensparger after he ejected Joc Pederson from the game.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Chattanooga gave up a run in the top of the ninth enabling the Smokies to capture their second consecutive 4-3 win over the Lookouts.
Joc Pederson thought he had hit his 23rd homer of the season down the right field line but umpire Jeremy Riggs ruled the ball foul. Pederson, who was running down the first base line in clear view of the ball, argued in vain. After the umpires conferred, the call was upheld. After Pederson struck out swinging, he said something to the homeplate umpire who promptly thumbed him out of the game. If the ball had been called fair, Pederson would be tied for the Southern League Home Run title.
The Lookouts had built a 3-0 lead on single runs in the first three innings. Angelo Songco drove in a pair of those runs, while Rafael Ynoa produced an RBI in the second inning. Those runs belonged to starting pitcher Duke von Schamann, who took a shutout into the fifth inning before giving up a three-run homer to Javier Baez.
The game remained at 3-3 until the top of the ninth when the the Smokies pulled ahead by a run. Chattanooga went down in order in their half of the ninth.
Box Score
Chattanooga's starter for Monday's 2:15 season finale has yet to be named following LHP Rob Rasmussen's trade to the Phillies on Saturday.
The Lookouts season' record going into the final game is 58-79.
Pederson shares his frustration with Smokies first baseman Justin Bour.
photo by Tim Evearitt