When top reliever Kenley Janzen was called up Friday to the Los Angeles Dodgers, questions arose not about who was going to start that night’s game for the Chattanooga Lookouts, but whether there was someone capable of finishing it.
Three relievers came to the rescue, but a four-run cushion and sparkling play from the defense proved more than enough help in a 5-2 victory over the Mobile BayBears.
Left fielder Jerry Sands threw out runners at home plate to complete double plays in the first two innings in front of 3,803 fans at AT&T Field.
Four hitters had two hits each for the Lookouts (47-50), who will start Chris Withrow (3-5, 5.09 ERA) in the third game of the series at 7:15 tonight.
The finish was a far cry from Thursday’s game, when the BayBears scored four runs in their half of the eighth inning for a 7-4 win.
The Lookouts came out hitting Friday with three hits and three runs in the bottom of the first. Corey Smith had a two-run double, and Ramon Nivar had a RBI single later.
In addition to his outfield assists, Sands reached over the wall in foul territory to make a catch in the fourth inning. Chattanooga turned four double plays in the game.
“It was very important for us to step up defensively,” shortstop Dee Gordon said. “We needed this win. We should have won last night and weren’t as lucky, but hopefully this can turn us around.”
Added manager Carlos Subero: “After the tough loss yesterday, us scoring three runs in the first showed me that the guys were ready to play. Also, to get three assists at home to end the first three innings was huge. I haven’t seen that before.”
Mobile closed to within 3-1 when Ollie Linton scored on a wild pitch, but the Lookouts cushioned their lead in the bottom of the fifth when Eddy Perez had a two-run double.
From there, Bobby Blevins, James Adkins and Cole St. Clair worked the final four innings in relief of Aaron Miller, who after losses in his first three decisions got his first win as a Lookout.
“St. Clair was hyped up about (getting the save),” Subero said. “All guys at this level want to do what Kenley did. He did an outstanding job, and these guys want to get to Class AAA and the big leagues.
“Hopefully this win helps out the team. We’re in the running for the playoffs, and we have the players to do it.”