Adam Brett Walker's two RBI leaves him four short of 100 for the season
photo by Tim Evearitt
PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-24) fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts (24-28)by a score of 7-2 Friday night to force a Saturday rubber match. 4,572 witnessed the game at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Despite the loss, the Blue Wahoos gained full control of first place in the Southern League South Standings. Mobile dropped both games of a doubleheader against Jacksonville as Mississippi fell in their game to Birmingham. Mobile and Mississippi are tied for second, half a game behind Pensacola.
D.J. Baxendale (6-4) earned the win for the Lookouts. He was wild but gave up just one run on five hits in five innings. He walked five and struck out six.
With the game still in the balance in the fourth inning, Baxendale started the inning by walking two straight batters. That brought up former Twins farmhand Ray Chang. The infielder grounded to Heiker Meneses who stepped on third base. He threw to Levi Michael at second for the second out. Michael then threw to Niko Goodrum at first base to complete the rare triple play.
It was a good day for the Lookouts at the plate. Adam Brett Walker got the scoring started in the first inning with an RBI double. Later in the game, he had another RBI double. He now has 28 doubles and 96 RBI on the season.
Levi Michael went 2-for-4 with a walk, his tenth double and his fifth home run. Max Kepler went 2-for-5.raising his average to .343.
Shannon Wilkerson hit his first home run with the Lookouts.
Nick Burdi got the next two innings. He gave up no runs and no hits. He walked three and struck out three.
Brandon Peterson worked the final two innings. He gave up one run on one hit. He walked two and struck out one.
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The rubber game of the series will be played Saturday night.
Shannon Wilkerson hit his first home run as a Lookout.
photo by Tim Evearitt