Chattanooga Lookouts left-hander Nick Lodolo continued his hot start to the 2021 season on Tuesday night. Lodolo struck out eight batters across seven shutout innings and now has an ERA of 0.40 on the year, the lowest mark in the minors among pitchers to throw at least 17 innings.
He is scheduled to start the series finale on Sunday as he looks to continue his hot stretch.
It didn't take long for the Lookouts hitters to provide some run support, as outfielder TJ Hopkins hit his third triple of the season in the third inning.
That was immediately followed by an RBI groundout from Yoel Yanqui as the home side took a 1-0 lead. That would soon become a 4-0 lead as a run-scoring triple from Leonardo Rivas capped a three-run fifth inning. Alejo Lopez opened that frame with a base hit to take his batting average up to a league-high .380.
Relivers Michael Byrne and Nick Howard each struck out a pair in their one inning of relief as the Lookouts picked up their first shutout victory of the season.
Chattanooga will look to continue their winning ways when they send righty Matt Pidich to the mound Wednesday night opposite Smokies starter Javier Assad.
Tickets for Chick-fil-A Wednesday are still available for the 7:15 p.m. contest.