The Blue Wahoos were an out away from extending their most impressive element this season.
One swing put a blemish on perfection.
Chattanooga’s Ruben Ibarra launched a one-strike pitch from reliever Jesse Bergin over the left field wall, lifting the Lookouts to a 4-3 comeback win Tuesday night against the Blue Wahoos to begin their six-game series.
It was the first time in 46 games the Blue Wahoos lost a lead in the ninth inning. They were 45-0 when leading after eight innings this season, 46-1 when up after seven innings.
Four of the Blue Wahoos first 11 batters were hit by pitches from Chattanooga starter Hunter Parks, who struggled from the outset to gain command of his fastball. He was removed with two outs in the second inning, along with manager Jose Moreno, who was tossed out the game by the home plate umpire.
The Blue Wahoos had eight baserunners before getting their first hit in the fourth inning. They led 1-0 at the time. Those missed opportunities, however, eventually proved costly.
In the second inning, Mark Coley II was plunked by a Parks pitch and scored on a bases-loaded ground out.
The Lookouts took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning with Cam Collier’s two-run homer off Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams. It spoiled a solid night for Williams, who went 4.2 innings, struck out seven, gave up six hits and those two runs on one swing.
The Blue Wahoos tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when Coley II beat out a potential double-play and allowed Kemp Alderman to score.
Alderman then came up big in the seventh when he blasted a low pitch like a golf swing out of the ballpark to provide a 3-2 lead. It stayed that way with Blue Wahoos new reliever Colby Martin displaying a 100-mph fastball in the eighth inning to get out of 3-0 counts.
In the eventful ninth, Bergin walked leadoff batter Leo Balcazar. But after striking out Jay Allen II for the second out, after Allen had three hits in the game, he seemed in good shape facing Ibarra.
It didn’t turn out that way.
The Lookouts then turned to their closer Trevor Kuncl, one of the best closers in all levels of Minor League Baseball, who recorded his 19th save following Gage Miller’s two out single.
These teams will now play a doubleheader, beginning at 4:05 p.m. Wednesday with the Blue Wahoos as the home team in one game, the visiting team in the other. It’s a makeup from a postponed game in Chattanooga when these teams last met.
GAME NOTABLES
--- A group outing from Pensacola’s Shrimp Basket restaurants created a high-five tunnel of employees in front of the Blue Wahoos dugout during pregame introductions.
--- Trista Bennett, student body president at the University of West Florida, threw out a first pitch as UWF held a “Welcome Back” to classes outing.
--- Earlier Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos’ Dax Fulton was elevated to Triple-A Jacksonville, becoming the 60th player from this season to be part of player transactions.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WHEN: Wednesday Thru Sunday.
GAMETIMES: Wednesday (Doubleheader) starts at 4:05 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday games at 6:05 p.m., Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
PROMOTIONS: Thursday – Pensacola Mullets Night. The Blue Wahoos take on thier alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets, plus there will be adult beverage specials for those of legal age throughout the game.
Friday – Giveaway Friday – The first 1,000 fans through gates will receive a Blue Wahoos’ Hawaiian shirt, courtesy of sponsor Harvesters Credit Union.
In addition, the Blue Wahoos will award a brand new Jeep Compass to a lucky fan through a drawing in partnership with Hill Kelly Dodge Chrysler Jeep.
Saturday – Fireworks Saturday – Post game fireworks will follow the game, plus the fourth annual Diamond Dig sponsored by Bere Jewelers. Fans who pre-register can enter the field to dig for a diamond, plus everyone participating will receive a gift from Bere’ Jewelers.
Sunday – Family & Military Sunday – Kids 12-under can run the bases following the game and families can toss soft baseballs in the outfield for 30 minutes. Active and retired military can receive a free standing room only ticket by going to the Blue Wahoos box office and showing ID. Dual sponsorship by WKRG News-5 and Great Clips.