The Chattanooga Lookouts have the rare combination this spring of continuing to develop while trying to lock down a postseason berth.
Due to the Southern League's format of two 70-game halves, the Lookouts are hoping their sizzling 20-6 record this month will result in a North Division first-half championship. Chattanooga, which won 3-2 over the Biloxi Shuckers in Thursday night's rain-delayed game at AT&T Field, leads the North by 4 1/2 games over the Tennessee Smokies with 23 games remaining in the half.
"It has been moving by a little bit, but you still try and take it one game at a time," Lookouts left fielder Adam Walker said. "We're playing a good team right now, and when we come out playing our game, we usually do pretty well. At the end of the half, hopefully we'll be on top."
First-half titles have been rare for the Lookouts since their move to AT&T Field before the 2000 season, with Chattanooga accomplishing the feat just once. In 2006, Jayhawk Owens managed the Lookouts to a 44-26 first-half mark.
Chattanooga has led the North Division since May 9, owning a five-game lead as recently as Sunday.
"It's always fun to be on top, and everybody always chases that top guy," Lookouts pitching coach Stu Cliburn said. "It's tough to stay on top, and we've certainly come a long way and have been playing good baseball lately. Before you know it, this first half will be over, and we'll see where we stand."
The start of Thursday night's game was delayed nearly two hours by rain.
The Lookouts led 1-0 entering the fourth inning, when Max Kepler reached on a fielding error and Walker followed with a home run to center field. The homer was Walker's 12th this season, which leads the league.
"One of our goals obviously is getting to the playoffs," Lookouts right fielder Travis Harrison said, "and if we can get in on the first half, then great. We're here to win. We've won a lot before, and we want to keep doing that."
Greg Peavey (4-1, 6.32) is scheduled to start tonight's 7:15 game for the Lookouts, with Tyler Wagner (5-1, 2.01) scheduled for the Shuckers.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.