Stephen Gonsalves won his first start for the Lookouts Saturday night.
photo by Tim Evearitt
Left-handed pitcher Stephen Gonsalves only allowed two runs on six hits while striking out six batters in five innings to earn his first ever Double-A win. The Lookouts 5-3 win was there second of the second half and improves their overall record to 38-35.
For the last six weeks or more, many have been wondering when Gonsalves would be promoted to Double-A.
Tonight, he made that debut. An honest assessment would acknowledge that it was a bit shaky. However, if you consider that he gave up just two runs over five innings, it was solid. He gave up six hits, walked four and struck out six.
He battled. He struck out three in the first inning but gave up a two-run single with two outs. In the fourth, he walked three to load the bases but did not allow a run. Overall, it was a nice first start for Gonsalves, something to build upon.
The Twins' number six overall prospect got off to an up-and-down start, allowing two runs while also striking out the side. After falling behind Gonsalves settled down by recording four straight scoreless innings.
Chattanooga's offense backed up their young pitcher with a run in the third on a Zach Granite RBI single. In the fifth the team seized the lead on a fielding error and a Granite sacrifice bunt.
The one run lead would prove to be enough, but the Lookouts continued to pile on runs.
The lead became 4-2 in the seventh when Stuart Turner laced a double down the left field line to score Ryan Walker who reached earlier in the inning on a single.
An inning later Daniel Palka blasted his league-leading 18th home run to give the Lookouts the 5-2 lead.
In the sixth inning, Zack Jones made his return to the Twins organization and the Chattanooga Lookouts. He walked one and gave up a hit, but struck one out in a scoreless inning.
Mason Melotakis gave up two hits and a walk but struck out three to get out of the 7th inning without a run.
Jake Reed worked a perfect eighth inning. With a three-run lead, Trevor Hildenberger was called in for the ninth inning. He actually gave up a run on two hits and a walk but he struck out three to save a 5-3 win. It is his 12th save with the Lookouts and 15th overall.
Box
Sunday, the Lookouts aim to clinch the series on Autograph Sunday at AT&T Field. Game time is 2:15 with gates at opening at 1:00 p.m.
Zach Granite continues his hot hitting for the Lookouts with two RBI in the game.
photo by Tim Evearitt