CHATTANOOGA - GAME RECAP

The league-leading Carolina Mudcats were in town to visit the Lookouts, who were off to a rough start this season at 3-7. But Chattanooga broke out early off Mudcat hurler Randy Messenger. Ray Olmedo led off with a single, and two walks later the bases were loaded. Stephen Smitherman then singled to score the first run of the game. Dernell Stenson followed by grounding into a double play to plate another run, but it looked like Messenger might escape the jam. Second baseman Ryan Owens had other ideas, though, as he spanked a 2-2 pitch to right field that just cleared the fence, and suddenly it was 4-0 Chattanooga.

In the second, Chattanooga added 3 more on 3 singles and a double and the game looked over, as Chattanooga starter Dustin Moseley seemed on his game. In the top of the third, Mudcat Chris Aguila homered to make it 7-1, but Moseley escaped otherwise unscathed. 

In the bottom of the third, Mudcat manager Tracy Woodson was ejected after arguing something, but it didn't faze the team. In the fourth, they added two more runs on two doubles and a single and the score was 7-3. But Moseley, considered one of Cincinnati's up-and-coming starters, settled down and pitched two more scoreless innings.

Aguila homers

In the 7th, Lookout reliever Brett Gray came in and promptly gave up a walk, double, and 2 singles to close the gap to 2. But Scott Dunn was brought in to douse the fire, which he did, pitching the team through the 8th inning. In the 9th, Travis Miller came in for the save - he had been sent down from AAA Louisville that day. After getting leadoff batter Matt Padgett to ground out, he gave up two singles, including one to Josh Wilson, a future Marlins' shortstop. Drew Niles then hit a grounder to second and it looked like game over - but Owens went from home-run hero to goat as he bobbled the sure double play ball, loading the bases. Miller was obviously upset, and gave up a game-tying single to Ryan Jorgensen. 

The fans were very disappointed in this sudden turn of events, but they hoped that new pitcher Jorge Cortez could preserve the tie. But he walked pinch-hitter Chip Ambres, and then gave up a 3 run double to Aguila to make it 10-7. The Carolina dugout was very boisterous as the 3 runs scored, showing that they want to win every game. Mike Fiannery pitched the 9th for the save, retiring all 3 hitters quickly, and the Mudcats had won an improbable comeback. A great game, although the home fans would disagree.

Woodson ejected