Lookouts Settle For Series Split With Rocket City

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga Lookouts dropped the series finale to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon from AT&T Field.

Rocket City (55-41) got the scoring started in the top of the third with an RBI double from Torii Hutner Jr. and pushed another across with a groundout from Jose Gomez.

Chattanooga (41-55) cut the lead in half in the sixth with a Nick Quintana single to score TJ Hopkins.

The Trash Pandas added one more with a sacrifice fly from Hunter Jr. in the eighth and the Lookouts made it interesting in the ninth.

Allan Cerda drew a leadoff walk and was moved to third with a pinch-hit double from Alex McGarry. Elly De La Cruz flew out on the first pitch he saw but Michael Siani trimmed the lead to one with an RBI groundout. Chattanooga couldn’t get any closer though as Hopkins struck out to end the game and come away with a series split.

Mason Erla (4-2) got the start on the mound for Rocket City picking up the win pitching 5.1 innings allowing a run on seven hits and struck out three. Aaron Hernandez was given his second save on the year pitching the ninth allowing a run and a hit with a walk and strikeout.

Hunter Jr. led the guest offense with a 2-for-4 day with a double and two RBIs.

TJ Hopkins paced the Lookout attack going 3-for-5 with a double. Quintana finished the game 2-for-3 with an RBI and McLain went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles. Connor Phillips got the start and was tagged with the loss going 2.1 innings allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, two walks, and struck out five batters.

Chattanooga hits the road beginning at Birmingham for six games starting Tuesday.