Wednesday, July 27, 2005

W 5-3

Zebulon, NC --- Robert Andino hit a tie-breaking single in the eighth inning, while the Carolina bullpen tossed six scoreless innings as the Mudcats took a 5-3 decision over Chattanooga at Five County Stadium on Wednesday night.

Andino's hit followed a double by Chris Bass, a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk.  The Mudcats (19-12) had trailed all game until a seventh inning groundout by Reggie Abercrombie evened the score 3-3.  Drew Niles followed Andino's single with an RBI-single to push the lead to 5-3.

Ross Wolf (S, 1) registered his eighth career save, and his first since July 1, 2004.  Mike McNutt (W, 2-1), who was activated from the disabled list before the game, earned the win with two scoreless innings. 

Starting pitcher Josh Johnson lasted just three innings, allowing four hits, four walks and three runs.  Luke Lockwood replaced Johnson in the fourth and threw three stellar innings of middle relief, permitting two hits and a walk.

Chattanooga (12-21) scored twice in the first against Johnson, then stretched the lead to 3-0 in the third.  The Mudcats nicked Lookouts starter Josh Hall for two runs in the third inning on a double by Jason Hill and a grounder from JC Muniz.

Carolina is off on Thursday before opening a weeklong road trip against first place West Tenn in a three-game series, then heading for a three-game set against the Lookouts beginning Tuesday night.

CHATTANOOGA            2 0 1   0 0 0   0 0 0   ---    3   9   1   10

CAROLINA                    0 0 2   0 0 0   1 2 x   ---    5  12   0   11

WP - McNutt (2-1)

LP - Andrew (1-3)

S - Wolf (1)

HR - None.

Time:  3:03

Att:  2,890