Berrios' seven strikeouts Thursday increases his league lead to 70.
photo by Tim Evearitt
The Lookouts had to wait nearly two hours before playing their game Thursday night, but the wait was worth it. Starting pitcher Jose Berrios (W, 6-2) went seven strong innings to give the Lookouts (29-17) the 3-2 win over the Biloxi Shuckers (28-19).
With second-place Tennessee's loss, Chattanooga leads the Southern League North Division by a hefty 4 1/2 games.
Berrios who had a shutout on six hits over the first seven innings, ended his night abruptly in the eighth. Kyle Wren and Tyrone Taylor provided back-to-back one out singles. Brewers' top prospect Orlando Arcia doubled down the left field line scoring Wren to cut a 3-0 lead to 3-1.
Manager Doug Mientkiewicz turned the game over to reliever Zach Jones who walked Nick Ramirez and surrendered a bases loaded sacrifice fly by Michael Reed that trimmed the deficit to 3-2.
Berrios became the Southern League's first six-game winner, allowing two runs on nine hits over 7 1/3 innings while walking none and striking out seven. Shuckers. Brooks Hall (L, 4-3) making his first start since May 17th suffered the loss giving up three runs, two earned on five hits, walking none and striking out five.
Biloxi outfielder Kyle Wren is the son of former Braves' GM, Frank Wren.
With his seven strikeouts tonight Berrios increased his league lead to 70.
The Lookouts were out-hit 9-7 and were just 1-8 with runners in scoring position, but picked up another win
Top prospect Byron Buxton was 0-3 with a walk and two strike outs, the first time in more than a week Buxton failed to record a hit, ending a seven-game hitting streak. Jorge Polanco was 2-4 with an RBI and a stolen base (one of three stolen bases for the Lookouts on the evening), his tenth of the year. Adam Brett Walker was 1-4 with two strike outs but made that hit count, a two run home run, driving in what proved to be the game winning run.
Chattanooga struck first in the bottom of the third inning on a RBI single by Jorge Polanco that brought in Heiker Menesses from second base.
The Lookouts extended their lead to 3-0 in the fourth inning via the long ball. Walker blasted his league-leading 12th home run with a man on to extend the lead. Walker leads the league with now 39 RBI's.
Jones clamped down on the Shuckers' offense in the ninth to earn his seventh save of the season.
Friday night the team sends out RHP Greg Peavey (4-1, 6.32) against RHP Tyler Wagner (5-1, 2.01) at 7:15 p.m.
The Lookouts will be hosting their Salute to Heroes, Military Appreciation Celebration at AT&T Field. This event is presented by EPB Fiber Optics and will feature a post-game Fireworks Extravaganza.
As a thank you to our servicemen and servicewomen, active and Veteran military men and women will receive up to four free General Admission tickets to Friday’s game. Fans can simply show their military ID at the AT&T Field Box Office on the night of the game to claim their tickets.
“We are thankful to be able to give back to our military members who have served our country,” said Lookouts’ President and General Manager Rich Mozingo. “This night gives us and our fans yet another opportunity to recognize the commitment and sacrifice our military makes every day.”
The night will also feature a pre-game recognition ceremony for local Student Veteran Organizations from UTC and Chattanooga State.
Jorge Polanco, who went 2-for-4, is now hitting .318.
photo by Tim Evearitt