Randy LaBlanc threw a much-needed gem for the Lookouts Tuesday.
photo by Tim Evearitt
JACKSON, Tenn. -- Jonathan Rodriguez hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, leading the Chattanooga Lookouts to a 3-1 win over the Jackson Generals on Tuesday.
The Lookouts have a six-game lead over their first-round playoff opponent, the Montgomery Biscuits with six games remaining. The last five games of the regular season will be held at AT&T Field in Chattanooga against Montgomery.
Chattanooga right-hander Randy LeBlanc (4-4) picked up a quality start and the win after allowing one run over 7 1/3 innings.
LaBlanc was recalled from Ft. Meyers after Fernando Romero went on the disabled list. He struck out two, walked one and scattered six hits.
Gabriel Moya got Marty Herum to fly out with a runner on first to end the game for his 24th save of the season. Moya lowered his ERA on the season to 0.80. Moya has a 0.71 ERA with the Lookouts over 12 games (12.2 IP), with 16 strikeouts and just three walks. On the year, he has 84 strike outs and only 15 walks.
The Lookouts took a 2-1 lead in the fourth and then hung on the rest of the way, adding an insurance run in the top of the ninth. The home run by Rodriguez scored LaMonte Wade gave the Lookouts the lead.
The Lookouts tacked on another run in the ninth when T.J. White hit an RBI double, driving in Wade.
Rodriguez was the hero of the day, 1-for-4 with his two-run home run that plated the winning run.
Wade had a nice day at the dish as well, 2-3 with two runs scored, a double and a walk.
Opposing starter Alex Young (9-9) took the tough loss in the Southern League game after allowing two runs and six hits over seven innings.
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The final game of the series is Wednesday night. Ryan Eades will get the start for the Lookouts.
Chattanooga returns home Thursday night to face Montgomery in the final home series of 2017. Games one and two of the playoffs will be played in Chattanooga on Sept.6, 7.
With the Southern League playoffs just around the corner, the Lookouts roster suffered a huge blow when starting pitching went on the disabled list. http://tinyurl.com/y834tvem
Jonathan Rodriguez hit his 21st homer of the season - a two-run blast.
photo by Tim Evearitt