Lookouts prevail in another one-run game at AT&T Field
If the first homestand of the season is any indication, the Chattanooga Lookouts are going to be anything but dull.
Nick Gordon’s single to center field in the eighth inning Monday night scored LaMonte Wade and Tanner English to propel the Lookouts to a 7-6 victory over Mobile at AT&T Field before an announced crowd of 2,592. The win was the second straight for Chattanooga, which improved to 3-2.
The Lookouts and BayBears played four consecutive one-run games after Mobile posted a 2-0 triumph on opening night.
“We’re trying to win ballgames no matter how we’ve got to do it,” Gordon said. “We’re going to fight to the last out. I think it’s going to be a fun year.”
Until Monday’s finale, Chattanooga had relied on stout pitching and solid defensive play, but Lookouts starter Paul Clemens lasted just four innings against Mobile, while the Lookouts committed two errors to go along with two wild pitches and a catcher’s interference. Chattanooga trailed 6-1 entering the sixth inning but got within 6-5 on the strength of doubles by Edgar Corcino, Travis Harrison and Jonathan Rodriguez.
Gordon went just 1-for-5 Monday but made his hit count. The top pick in the Minnesota Twins organization finished his first Class AA series with a .381 average.
“He’s been good,” Lookouts first-year manager Jake Mauer said. “He’s been really solid and has been aggressive with the fastball as far as swinging the bat. He’s kind of carrying most of the load offensively here.
“Is he going to hit .500 for the year? Probably not, but if he continues to take good at-bats and maintain his approach, he’ll be all right.”
Gordon entered Monday ranked among the Southern League’s top 10 hitters but is not satisfied with his start.
“There is always more to be done and always work to be put in,” he said. “You always know that the pitching gets better as you go up at every level. You’ve just got to prepare to make adjustments.”
The Lookouts pounded out a season-high 13 hits Monday, with Rodriguez collecting three and with Wade, Harrison, Corcino and Engelb Vielma each notching two.
Chattanooga is off today before beginning a five-game series Wednesday night in Jacksonville.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6524.