Jackson, Tenn. - One early-inning at-bat can make a humongous difference now and then, and the Jackson Generals have felt the effects of such an at-bat on multiple occasions in their series with Chattanooga.
Jackson, Tenn. - One early-inning at-bat can make a humongous difference now and then, and the Jackson Generals have felt the effects of such an at-bat on multiple occasions in their series with Chattanooga.
A Brian Navarreto homerun gave the Lookouts (10-9) an early 2-1 lead in the second inning, and the Generals (15-3) were unable to score further, succumbing to a 2-1 loss on Tuesday evening.
For starters, Ryan Atkinson (1-1, 4.26 ERA) kept the Lookouts fenced in during much of the contest, striking out seven without walking a batter. In support, the Jackson bullpen made another hold-the-line effort, getting four scoreless innings between Yuhei Nakaushiro, Mason McCullough, and Colin Poche. Tuesday's defeat marks only the third loss in 2018 for Jackson, and it occurred without any errors in the field being committed.
Offensively, the Generals were less stellar, finishing 0-for-4 with men in scoring position while stranding nine runners. Kevin Medrano, that middle-infield metronome, collected three hits in the game, extending his streak against Southern League pitching to eight games in total. Jose Vinicio doubled to bring home a run, and those were Jackson's only offensive contributions. The Generals, who were trying to win their tenth straight game, came up just short despite outhitting the Lookouts 6-5.
TOP PERFORMERS - Generals
RHP Ryan Atkinson - 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K
LHP Yuhei Nakaushiro - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER
INF Kevin Medrano - 3-for-4, K
TOP PERFORMERS - Chattanooga
LHP Stephen Gonsalves - 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 9 K
RHP Todd Van Steensel - 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
C Brian Navarreto - 1-3, HR, R, RBI
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
BOTTOM 6: With Chattanooga starter Stephen Gonsalves finally off the hill, the Generals try to work on reliever Zack Jones. Kevin Medrano singles, but with a pair of quick outs leave Medrano at first base with two away. On a wild pitch, Medrano can then sneak to third, and Matt Jones walked to put men on first and second base. Jose Vinicio, playing shortstop tonight, strikes out with the bases full, costing him a three-run opportunity.
SCORE: CHA 2, JXN 1
TOP 9: Left-hander Colin Poche gets made momentarily mortal, giving up a lead-off triple to begin his appearance. However, helped by a strikeout and a flyout, Poche is able to skate out of the jam, as Alberto Rosario picks off Nick Gordon at third base when the Lookouts' baserunning gets a bit cavalier.
SCORE: CHA 2, JXN 1
NEXT GAME:
11:05 am CT Wednesday (4/25) at The Ballpark at Jackson (Jackson, TN)
RHP Sam Lewis (Generals) vs. RHP Randy LeBlanc (Chattanooga Lookouts)
