The Chattanooga Lookouts lost Thursday for just the second time in 14 games in the second half of the Southern League baseball season.
The Tennessee Smokies held on for a 2-1 victory at AT&T Field in front 2,023 in the third game of a five-game series in which Chattanooga had won the first two.
The North Division win moved the Smokies within four games of the Lookouts (54-30), who have already clinched a playoff spot by winning the season’s first half.
Knoxville’s runs came in the fourth, starting with a solo home run by Jason Vosler, who has 15 this season.
Yasiel Balaguert, the next batter, almost followed with another, doubling high off the right-field wall. He scored an out later when Trey Martin singled through the middle.
Chattanooga’s run came in the bottom of the inning. LaMonte Wade doubled and scored on Jonathan Rodriguez’s single.
The Lookouts had something going in the ninth against reliever Dillon Maples, starting with Edgar Corcino coaxing a walk. Wade reached on an infield hit, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch. However, Maples managed to earn his fourth save by striking out the side to end it.
The pitching victory was the first of the season for Preston Morrison, who had dropped his first seven decisions.
Fernando Romero (7-6) pitched the first five innings for Chattanooga.
The Lookouts’ Ryan Eades threw three innings of relief and struck out four while allowing two hits, a walk and no runs. Raul Fernandez pitched the ninth, giving up one hit and striking out one.
The series is scheduled to continue tonight with a 7:15 first pitch. Trevor Clifton (5-4, 3.45 ERA) is set to start on the mound for the Smokies, with the Lookouts’ starter to be determined.