Well, that was easy.
After playing nine consecutive games decided by one or two runs, the Chattanooga Lookouts humiliated Jackson 10-0 Thursday night at AT&T Field. The Lookouts hit four home runs, which tied a season high, in improving to 20-13 in the Southern League's second-half race.
"This was great, because we all needed it," Lookouts third baseman Travis Denker said after a two-homer performance. "We've been battling and pushing through, so it was nice to get such a cushion."
Chattanooga wasted no time taking control, opening with an Alfredo Silverio single to left-center field, a Brian Cavazos-Galvez triple to right-center and a Hector Gimenez sacrifice fly to center.
Denker led off the second inning with a homer down the right-field line, and Jaime Pedroza followed with a blast over the pavilion in right. Scott Van Slyke didn't miss out on the fun, launching a three-run homer to right-center that gave the Lookouts an 8-0 lead.
Generals starting pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen was pulled after two tumultuous innings, but Lookouts counterpart Allen Webster went the distance, allowing seven hits and striking out seven. Webster notched the second complete nine-inning game for the Lookouts this year; Will Savage had the first on May 14.
"I don't think I had a complete game in high school, so this is my first one ever," the 21-year-old Webster said. "Having that lead just let me get in my groove and throw strikes, and the defense behind me was great. All my pitches were working for me, and the main thing that helped me was strike one. Once I got that strike one, it allowed me to work on my off-speed stuff."
Denker led off the fifth inning with a homer to right-center, which put the Lookouts up 9-0. The Lookouts finished with 13 hits, with shortstop Ivan Ochoa producing four from the nine hole.
Nathan Eovaldi (6-5, 2.66 ERA) is scheduled to start tonight's 7:15 game for the Lookouts, with Andrew Carraway (7-2, 3.38) scheduled for the Generals.
Lindblom promoted?
Reports surfaced Thursday night that Lookouts closer Josh Lindblom has been promoted to Los Angeles for a second time this season. In his 33 Double-A appearances, Lindblom is 1-3 with a 2.18 ERA and a team-high 16 saves.
Chattanooga manager Carlos Subero would not confirm the transaction following the game.