Hopkins HR Lifts Lookouts Past Smokies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Lookouts took a, 3-2, series lead with a, 3-2, win over the Tennessee Smokies on Saturday night from AT&T Field.

The Lookouts got on the board first in the bottom of the second as Quinn Cotton hit an RBI double to bring in Leonardo Rivas.

Tennessee (10-9) quickly answered with a Nelson Velazquez two-run homer in the third to take the lead.

Chuckie Robinson evened it up with a solo shot of his own in the bottom half of the inning and TJ Hopkins came through in the seventh with a one-run home run to give the Lookouts the lead and eventual win.

Carson Spiers got the start on the hill for Chattanooga (12-8) going five innings allowing both runs while giving up six hits and a walk to go with seven strikeouts. Michael Byrne picked up the win pitching 1.2 innings allowing a hit and walk and fanned a batter. Ricky Karcher picked up his first save of the season going the final 1.1 innings allowing just a pair of walks with a pair of strikeouts.

Brandon Liebrandt was tagged with the loss for the Smokies going 3 innings allowing a run on one hit, a walk, and struck out three batters.

Christopher Morel paced the Tennessee offense going 3-for-4 and Darius Hill went 2-for-5 with two doubles.

Byrd Tenerowicz led the way for the Lookouts going 3-for-4 while Robinson had a 2-for-4 day with a home run and RBI.

Chattanooga looks to complete the series win on Miller-Motte Food Drive Sunday, beginning at 2:15 p.m.