The Chattanooga Lookouts lost close calls Friday and Saturday night to open their 2013 season.
They used a six-run fourth inning Sunday afternoon at AT&T Field to ensure there would not be a third straight defeat. Joc Pederson launched a three-run home run to right-center to collect his first Double-A hit, and Rafael Ynoa hit a two-run single up the middle to ignite the Lookouts to an 8-0 rout of Huntsville in the first of two seven-inning games.
"It was the first one of the season, so it was nice to break the ice and get on the winning side," Lookouts manager Jody Reed said. "Our offense broke out, and we got a huge day from Andres Santiago on the mound. This was a good one for us in many phases."
Huntsville won the second game 3-1 behind starting pitcher Andy Moye, who allowed a first-inning home run to Pederson and did not give up another hit in six innings.
Lookouts first baseman Chris Jacobs contributed to the fourth-inning surge in the opener with a double to right that scored C.J. Retherford. Jacobs committed three fielding errors Friday night, and he entered Sunday with four strikeouts in five unsuccessful plate appearances.
Jacobs hit into a double play in the second inning before collecting his first Double-A hit.
"I've been trying to adjust to this level, and it's finally coming around," Jacobs said. "That was such a great inning we had. Joc hit the home run and comes in the dugout ecstatic, and it's that kind of stuff that makes it so much fun to play baseball. It lets you see what we're capable of when we're all clicking."
Said Reed: "When you first come to a level you've never been to, there is a confidence hurdle that you just have to get over. Sometimes it's rough getting over it."
Lookouts touted outfielder Yasiel Puig went 2-for-3 in the first game with two RBIs, but he did not play in the second game. Puig is hitting .500 this series with a home run and three RBIs.
Onelki Garcia is scheduled to start tonight's 7:15 series finale, with Arcenio Leon scheduled for the Stars.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.