CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Chattanooga Lookouts right-hander Randy LeBlanc went six shutout innings, and three first-inning runs for his team were enough for a 3-1 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at AT&T Field Thursday night.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Chattanooga Lookouts right-hander Randy LeBlanc went six shutout innings, and three first-inning runs for his team were enough for a 3-1 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at AT&T Field Thursday night.
The Lookouts (9-5) took the lead in the bottom of the first inning against Jumbo Shrimp right-hander Nick Neidert (1-1). Right fielder LaMonte Wade Jr hit a leadoff single to left field. Left fielder Brent Rooker tapped a ground ball in front of home plate and reached on an infield single. After a designated hitter Nick Gordon grounded into a fielder's choice, first baseman Zander Wiel rolled an RBI infield single to third baseman Brian Schales, whose throw went past first base, allowing Wade and Gordon to score for a 2-0 score. Wiel went to second base but was later thrown out on third baseman Chris Paul's double. Paul scored when second baseman Ryan Walker reached on shortstop Chris Diaz's throwing error.
Neidert kept Chattanooga scoreless for his last five innings, completing a season-long six innings, allowing two earned runs on nine hits and one walk with two strikeouts. He worked around a bases-loaded jam in the third inning and stranded seven total baserunners. Right-hander Jorgan Cavanerio pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings for Jacksonville (4-9).
LeBlanc (2-1) lasted six scoreless innings, scattering five hits and one walk with three strikeouts. In the fourth inning, he allowed singles by Jumbo Shrimp second baseman Isan Díaz and center fielder Monte Harrison before hitting left fielder Austin Dean with a pitch to load the bases with on outs. Catcher Brian Navarreto picked Diaz off third base, LeBlanc struck out first baseman Eric Jagielo, and Navarreto threw out Dean when he tried to advance on a pitch in the dirt.
In the seventh inning, Lookouts right-hander Zack Jones walked the bases loaded with two outs before striking out shortstop Chris Diaz. Right-hander Williams Ramirez began the eighth inning with a 3-0 lead and allowed Isan Diaz's leadoff double and Dean's RBI groundout. In the ninth inning, Ramirez walked the first two batters before getting Schales to hit into a double play and retiring catcher Rodrigo Vigil on a flyout to center field for his third save.
UP NEXT: The Jumbo Shrimp continue their road trip with the series finale in Chattanooga at 7:15 p.m. Friday, when Jacksonville right-hander Jeff Brigham (2-0) is scheduled to face Lookouts left-hander Lewis Thorpe (0-1). The Jumbo Shrimp return home Thursday, April 26, for Budweiser Thirsty Thursday, with $1 12-oz. and $2 24-oz. beers at select locations, plus $1 sodas at the main concession stands. The Jumbo Shrimp will also celebrate National Pretzel Day with enormous, over-sized, JUMBO Pretzels at the Oasis concession stand. Adult Rec/Corporate League Night will include a pregame parade for adult sports teams, who can call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 for ticket packages.
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League's Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy, and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.
