Offense Falters in Loss to Lookouts
Jackson, Tenn. - The Generals fell just short Friday night in a 3-2 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts at The Ballpark at Jackson. The Generals scored twice in sixth, but that was it for the struggling offense in a one-run loss. Despite the defeat, Jackson remains a game and a half up on Montgomery atop the North Division Standings.
The Generals have scored four runs or fewer in each of their last 12 games, but have managed to win six of those contests. Their last six wins have come by a combined 10 runs, but Jackson fell to 8-5 in one-run games in the loss.
Chattanooga (19-23) didn't waste time jumping out to an early lead. After a single from Zach Granite was erased by a double play, D.J. Hicks launched a solo blast to right. It was Hicks' fourth homer of the season, all of which have come against the Generals.
Jackson (24-17) meanwhile couldn't string together hits. Guillermo Heredia singled to leadoff the first, but was forced out at second on a fielder's choice. Tyler O'Neill then grounded into a 1-6-3 double play to end the frame. It was the 51st double play turned by the Lookouts this season, the most in the Southern League.
Dylan Unsworth (3-1, 1.18) pitched well over the first four innings, but was removed in the top of the fifth in the middle of an at-bat. He pitched four innings of one-run ball, giving up just four hits while walking none and striking out four. Kyle Hunter pitched very well in long relief, giving up two runs (one earned) over 3.1 innings, while Matt Anderson retired all five men he faced.
Up 1-0 in the sixth, Chattanooga extended its lead. With one out, Shannon Wilkerson singled into center and advanced to second when Hicks reached on an error by Jacksonthird baseman Zach Shank. Wilkerson and Hicks both scored when Joe Maloney lined a triple into right to give the Lookouts a 3-0 lead.
The Generals responded in the seventh. Benji Gonzalez led off with a single and scored on Gullermo Heredia's triple to right. Tim Lopes then brought in Heredia with a sacrifice fly to center to put the score at 3-2.
In the seventh, Jackson had another opportunity. With one out, D.J. Peterson singled to right and moved to second when Steve Baron worked a walk. Dan Paolini and Benji Gonzalez flew and lined out respectively to end the threat.
Jackson didn't go down quietly in the ninth. Leon Landry led off with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and third on a groundout. Steve Baron walked with two outs to put runners on the corners with two outs, but Dan Paolini grounded into a fielder's choice to end the ballgame as Trevor Hildenberger (S, 3) earned the save)
Nick Greenwood (2-0, 3.60) was stellar for the Lookouts in his second victory of the season. The lefty gave up just two runs, both earned, on six hits while walking one and striking out three.
Jackson looks to bounce back Saturday night with RHP Jordan Pries (1-2, 11.48) on the hill against LHP David Hurlbut (2-2, 5.10) on the mound for Chattanooga. First pitch from The Ballpark at Jackson is slated for 6:05 pm CT, and you can listen to all the action on the TJ Network (AM 1390, FM 94.1) and online via the TuneIn Radio App starting at 5:50 pm CT with the Generals Pregame Show.
It's a weekend full of fun at The Ballpark at Jackson! Saturday is MobileNation CMA Night at The Ballpark, as we'll be celebrating all things country! One lucky fan will win a pair of four-day passes to CMA Fest in Nashville next month! The first 500 fans will go home with a trucker hat thanks to State Farm Agent Alan Brown, and everyone will be treated to a postgame fireworks spectacular! Sunday is a Family FunDay, with children 12 and under getting free admission, ice cream, fun zone access and the opportunity to play catch on the field pregame.
Get in on the fun at The Ballpark now! Give the Generals a call at (731) 988.5299, go online to jacksongeneralsbaseball.com or stop by The Ballpark to get your tickets now!