Smokies mount late comeback in 4-3 win
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies (42-26, 76-61) defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts (23-45, 58-80) 4-3 Sunday evening at AT&T Field as Tennessee earned a season-best sixth consecutive win.
John Andreoli drew a leadoff walk in the ninth inning and advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Rafael Lopez. Jonathan Mota struck out for the second out of the inning. Outfielder Brett Jackson put the Smokies on top for good with a gap shot into left-center field to score Andreoli and put Tennessee in front 4-3.
For the first time in the series Chattanooga took a lead against Tennessee. Miguel Rojas walked with one out in the bottom of the first inning. After a strikeout, Dae-Eun Rhee hit a batter bringing up first basemen Angelo Songco with a runner in scoring position. Songco bounced a ball into centerfield that allowed Rojas to motor to the plate and give the Lookouts a 1-0 lead.
The home club scored for the second straight frame when Rafael Ynoa singled to right field with two outs to score Matt Wallach, who singled with one out, to put the Lookouts on top 2-0 after two innings.
Chattanooga put another run on the board for the third time in as many innings on a Songco double that scored Brian Cavazos-Galvez, who singled to left with one out, as the Smokies fell behind 3-0.
Tennessee tied the score with one swing in the top of the fifth inning. After the first two men of the inning were retired, Jackson lined a single to left field and Arismendy Alcantara drew a walk setting the stage for Javier Baez. The Cubs' top prospect cranked a three-run home run over the centerfield fence to tie the score at three. It was the 20th round-tripper for Baez in a Smokies uniform and 37th overall.
Matt Loosen (3-3, 6.14) worked four hitless innings in relief to earn the victory. Tony Zych earned his third save of the year working a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth inning.
The Smokies and Lookouts will conclude the regular season Monday afternoon at 2:15 p.m in Chattanooga. Left-hander Eric Jokisch (11-12, 3.37) will get the ball for the Smokies as the Lookouts have yet to name a starting pitcher.