Fernando Romero, who was staked to an early lead, picked up his sixth win.
photo by Tim Evearitt
KODAK, Tenn. -- Nick Gordon hit a three-run home run in the second inning, and Jonathan Rodriguez hit a two-run home run and had two hits, driving in three as the Chattanooga Lookouts beat the Tennessee Smokies 8-1 on Wednesday.
The Lookouts got ahead early, got a very strong, lengthy start, added some runs late and won the game. Tennessee mustered seven hits in the series opener while Chattanooga tallied 14.
Chattanooga right-hander Fernando Romero (6-5) was quite strong.
He started with five shutout innings, gave up a run in the sixth and then recovered with a scoreless seventh inning. Romero went seven innings and gave up one run on seven hits. He struck out seven without issuing a walk
Opposing starter Trevor Clifton (5-3) took the loss in the Southern League game after allowing four runs and six hits over six innings.
Nick Gordon got things going in the second when he launched his sixth home run literally out of Smokies Stadium. Gordon went 2-for-5 in the game and gave the Lookouts a 4-0 lead after T.J. White hit a solo home run earlier in the inning.
The Lookouts later added two runs in both the seventh and ninth innings. In the seventh, Rodriguez and Dan Gamache each drove in a run, while Rodriguez hit a two-run home run in the ninth.
Southern League All-Stars Edgar Corcino and LaMonte Wade each had 3-for-5 nights.
Rodriguez, who provided some power late, was 2-for-4 with his sixth homer.
White, who went 2-for-5 and is now hitting .320 since his return to the lineup, went 2-for-5 with his second homer.
Todd Van Steensel closed the door on the Smokies with two scoreless frames.
Box
The Lookouts could nail down the championship Thursday night when LHP Stephen Gonsalves gets the start for Chattanooga.
All-Star Update:
Lookouts reliever Mason Melotakis has been added to the 2017 Southern League All-Star team.
Along with Nick Gordon, Jonathan Rodriguez had a big night at the plate.
photo by Tim Evearitt