Corey Smith had a two-run single and Kyle Russell a two-run double in the eighth inning as Chattanooga (15-16) broke a 7-7 tie and took the series opener in Birmingham with a 12-7 win Wednesday night.
Jerry Sands hit a two-run home run to center and Andrew Lambo had a solo homer to right in the first inning as the Lookouts built a 4-0 lead.
Trayvon Robinson, who was activated from the disabled list before the game, hit a homer to right-center in the second inning to give Chattanooga a 5-1 advantage. Sands followed with his second homer of the night, this one to right, and his 11th since joining the team on June 24.
Game two of a five-game series in Birmingham is tonight at 8:05.
Timothy Sexton (3-10, 4.36) is scheduled to start for the Lookouts, with Charlie Shirek (2-3, 3.69) scheduled for the Barons.