Chris O'Brien is a switch-hitter.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Minor League Baseball has announced that Chattanooga Lookouts' catcher Chris O'Brien has been named their Southern League Player of the Month for August. O'Brien is the first Chattanooga Lookouts' player to earn a monthly accolade from Minor League Baseball this season.
On August 6, the backstop was hitting .248 with three home runs. Since that point the switch-hitter accrued 20 hits and raised his average to .266. From 8/26-29 the backstop hit a home run in three straight games and collected four RBIs during that span.
His most memorable moment, however, came during the second game of the team's doubleheader on 8/31. Down one run in the sixth inning he delivered the go-ahead runs on a pinch-hit triple. The two-run hit gave the Lookouts the 3-2 lead and secured them their first playoff berth since 2012.
The month of August was just the beginning for O’Brien who has also been dominant in the playoffs. In game five against the Huntsville Stars he hit a solo home run in the second inning and finished the day going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk. In five playoffs games the catcher has two home runs and three RBI.
On Wednesday, September 10, the team will match up against the Jacksonville Suns in the first game of the Southern League Championship. RHP Andres Santiago (1-0, 3.00) will take on RHP Jose Urena (0-0, 6.00) with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m.
Tickets for Game One and Two of the Championship Series are on sale now and can be bought online at www.lookouts.com or by phone at 423-267-4TIX.
Chris O'Brien
photo by Tim Evearitt