KODAK, Tenn. -- Jonathan Rodriguez homered and singled, driving home three runs as the Chattanooga Lookouts topped the Tennessee Smokies 9-8 on Friday.
Chattanooga, winners of four straight games, leads second-place Montgomery by seven games. The magic number to clinch is down to 11.
Lookouts right-hander Felix Jorge (10-3) picked up a quality start and the win after allowing three runs on six hits over seven innings.
Opposing starter Chris Nunn (0-1) took the loss after giving up four runs and three hits while only recording two outs before exiting in the first inning.
Chattanooga batted around in the first inning, sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring four runs, including a two-run single by Max Murphy.
The Lookouts appeared to put the game away with five runs in the fifth inning. Not so.
Trailing 9-3, the Smokies cut into the deficit with five runs in the ninth inning, including a double by Jason Vosler that scored Charcer Burks. Gabe Moya struck Ian Rice out with a runner on second to end the game for his 21st save of the season.
Ryan Walker singled three times for Chattanooga.
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Fernando Romero is expected to start game four of the series for the Lookouts.
Roster Update:
The Twins have recalled reliever Glen Perkins from Chattanooga. Perkins has been with the Lookouts on a rehab assignment. Perkins will be making his first appearance for the Twins since April 10th, 2016.
Pitcher Kohl Stewart and catcher Carlos Paulino have been transferred to Triple-A Rochester.
Catcher Brian Olson and pitcher Lewis Thorpe have been transferred from Hi-A Ft. Meyers to the Lookouts..
Jonathan Rodriguez's homer was his second in as many games.
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt