Brett Lee tossed a two-hit shutout in game two.
photo by Tim Evearitt
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Lookouts' offense pounded 10 runs in game one, and starting pitcher Brett Lee wielded a two-hit shutout in game two to claim Chattanooga's third and fourth consecutive wins over Birmingham Sunday at Regions Field.
The first contest of the day got out of hand beginning in the fourth inning. A four-run fourth and five-run seventh highlighted the Lookouts' big innings. Chattanooga out-hit Birmingham 12-4 with Stephen Wickens and Shannon Wilkerson each recording two hits each.
Adam Brett Walker's double in the seventh led off the frame that provided the icing on the cake. The only other extra-base hit of the first game came from Travis Harrison as a double in the sixth. Birmingham starter Mark Blackmar (5-8, 3.82 ERA) was tagged for four runs on four hit through 3.1 innings. Relievers Tyler Barnette and Kyle Hansen were responsible for the final six runs.
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The second game saw Lee (6-4, 2.89 ERA) toss a two-hit gem over the Barons. The left-hander threw the complete game, striking out eight batters while allowing just two walks. Christian Marrero and Jeremy Dowdy were the only two Birmingham batters to pick up hits.
The only three runs plated in the game were scored in the top of the sixth inning, and all were scored on Barons' reliever Zach Isler after starter Tony Bucciferro turned in five innings of three-hit, shutout baseball.
Harrison hit a one-out double and scored on a Niko Goodrum single. First baseman D.J. Hicks followed up with a two-run bomb to right-center off Isler (1-1, 3.09 ERA) to give the game its eventual final score.
Over four games at Regions Field in the series, the Lookouts have outscored the Barons 13-4 and posted two shutouts.
Chattanooga's season record against Birmingham improved to 23-6 with the two wins while the Barons' elimination number has been cut down to two games. Montgomery can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win tomorrow accompanied by a Birmingham loss.
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White Sox No. 3 prospect Frankie Montas (5-5, 2.97 ERA) is set to duel against right-hander Aaron Slegers (1-3, 5.32 ERA) in the fifth game of the six-game series. The game is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET