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Lookouts manager Tommy Watkins optimistic about season’s second half

The Chattanooga Lookouts' Andy Wilkins, shown connecting for a hit during a game at AT&T Field last summer, is among the players first-year manager Tommy Watkins is counting on for a boost during the second half of the season.
The Chattanooga Lookouts' Andy Wilkins, shown connecting for a hit during a game at AT&T Field last summer, is among the players first-year manager Tommy Watkins is counting on for a boost during the second half of the season. The Chattanooga Lookouts' Andy Wilkins, shown connecting for a hit during a game at AT&T Field last summer, is among the players first-year manager Tommy Watkins is counting on for a boost during the second half of the season.

By David Paschall 3 min read

The Chattanooga Lookouts lost 10 of 13 games to close the first half of their Southern League schedule, but manager Tommy Watkins is choosing to focus on the final four contests.

Chattanooga ended the half with a four-game split at Birmingham and scored 26 runs in its two victories, including last Saturday’s 12-2 romp that was halted by rain after six innings. The Lookouts assembled a 28-14 record and a five-game lead in the North Division on May 19, but their late stumbles yielded a 36-33 mark and a third-place finish.

photo Birmingham Barons center fielder Tito Polo (18) safely dives back before Lookouts first baseman Brent Rooker (25) can tag him out on opening day at AT&T Field on Thursday, April 5, 2018 in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“I just think our guys were playing pretty decent those last few games,” said Watkins, who is in his first season as the team’s manager. “I’m looking forward to the second half starting. We’ve been on the road for a while. We’ve got a ton of new players, and I think Jimmy Kerrigan has been a good addition. He’s an outfielder who plays the game hard and is fun to watch.

“Andy Wilkins is back off the DL and hit three homers on the last trip. His veteran presence will help.”

The Lookouts open their 70-game second half at 7:15 tonight at AT&T Field against the Biloxi Shuckers. Chattanooga is third among the league’s 10 teams in hitting at the midway point with a .257 average, but the Lookouts are ninth in pitching with a 4.17 team ERA.