Barons Downed by Lookouts in Series Opener

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Birmingham Barons (18-27) were undone by three home runs off the bat of Chris Okey in an 8-6 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts (23-21) on Wednesday night at AT&T Field.

Okey's three homers helped erase a 6-2 lead for Birmingham through four innings. His blasts, which totaled seven RBI, occurred in the second, fifth and sixth innings, respectively.
Barons left-hander Bernardo Flores allowed the first two home runs, while right-handed reliever Zack Burdi surrendered the third, a three-run shot to give Chattanooga the lead in the sixth.
Flores settled for a no-decision in five innings of work, while Burdi (L, 0-1) was tagged with the loss after he gave up four runs on five hits in two innings out of the bullpen.
The Barons built an early advantage behind the strength of two hits and three RBI from Luis Basabe. The White Sox No. 7 prospect delivered a two-RBI triple in the third and a run-scoring single in the fourth.
Luis Robert, ranked as the organization's No. 2 prospect, doubled twice, while Ti'Quan Forbes reached base five times (three hits, two walks) and Alfredo González reached base four times (two hits, two walks) in his return to Birmingham.
However, the steady offensive effort was not enough as Okey's three homers, plus a fourth from Ibandel Isabel, saw Chattanooga surge ahead.
The Lookouts plated six unanswered runs across the fifth through seventh innings. Right-hander Aaron Fossas (W, 3-2) picked up the win in relief for Chattanooga.
The Barons and Lookouts will continue their five-game series Thursday night at AT&T Field as Birmingham right-hander Jimmy Lambert (3-2, 3.22) opposes Chattanooga right-hander Tejay Antone (4-3, 3.09).
First pitch is set for 6:15 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast via WJOX-AM 690. Coverage of Thursday's game will begin at 6 p.m. with the Coca-Cola Pregame Show.
- BARONS -
The Birmingham Barons are the proud Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. For ticket information, game schedule, promotions calendar or additional information about Regions Field, please visit barons.com or call (205) 988-3200.
Southern League Champions: 1906 • 1912 • 1914 • 1928 • 1929 • 1931 • 1958 • 1967 • 1983 • 1987 • 1989 • 1993 • 2002 • 2013
33-Year Double-A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox