LookoutsJackson starting pitcher James Paxton struck out nine batters and allowed three hits in six innings to stake the Generals to a 1-0 lead over Chattanooga in Thursday night's Southern League North Division playoff opener, and the Generals went on to claim a 3-0 home victory.
Heavy rain delayed the game before the top of the seventh inning.
The Generals scored their first run in the third inning, when Brad Miller led off with a single to right field, went to second on a sacrifice and scored on Mike Zunino's double to center. Luis Nunez, Jake Lemmerman and Nick Buss were responsible for the three hits against Paxton, but the Lookouts never advanced a runner past second base against him.
Jackson's Francisco Martinez and Stefen Romero hit RBI doubles off Chattanooga reliever Yimi Garcia in the seventh after play resumed.
Yoervis Medina and Logan Bawcom (a former Lookout) pitched scoreless relief for Jackson.
With more rain in the forecast, tonight's game has been moved up to 4:05 CDT at Pringles Park. Zach Lee (4-3, 4.25 ERA) is the Lookouts' scheduled starting pitcher, with James Gilheeney (0-1, 3.81) scheduled for the Generals.
Fitzgerald honored
Joe Fitzgerald of the Chattanooga Lookouts was named Thursday as the Southern League's groundskeeper of the year. Fitzgerald is in his second season as head groundskeeper at AT&T Field and got his start as a groundskeeping intern with the Boston Red Sox.
The Jackson Sun contributed to this story.