The Chattanooga Lookouts are well aware right now of baseball being a game of adjustments.
Nick Gordon prepares to connect on a third inning single against the Tennessee Smokies Sunday afternoon at AT&T Field.
Chattanooga Lookouts left fielder LaMonte Wade (7) connects for a foul tip during the bottom of the first inning against the Jackson Generals at AT&T Field on Wednesday, June 7, in Chattanooga, Tenn.Within the last several days, the Lookouts have endured the 1-2 punch of LaMonte Wade going on the disabled list and Nick Gordon being promoted to Triple-A Rochester (New York). Chattanooga compiled a 15-2 start this month with Wade and Gordon wreaking havoc but is 2-6 since May 19, when Wade went on the DL with a shoulder injury after crashing into the outfield wall in Biloxi while making a catch.
Gordon received his promotion May 22.
"Those were huge, huge guys to have in the lineup," Lookouts center fielder and leadoff batter Tanner English said Sunday, "and it stinks having LaMonte out. Obviously taking Nick out of the lineup is tough, too, but we have a bunch of great guys who can step up and fill those roles, and that's exactly what we've got to do.
"Though you hate to see Nick leave, you also love to watch them leave so they can move on to the next level. Hopefully we can get LaMonte back with us."
The Lookouts suffered their sixth loss in eight games Sunday evening, dropping a 7-1 decision to Montgomery before an announced crowd of 4,286 at AT&T Field. Chattanooga is off today before beginning a five-game series in Birmingham on Tuesday night.
Gordon and Wade were prominent members of last season's 91-win, Southern League co-championship team, and they had been putting up even better numbers this year. Gordon hit .333 with five home runs and 20 RBIs in 42 games before his promotion, while Wade hit .305 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 36 games before his injury.
"I think we took a hit when we lost them, but we've got guys who can step up, which is cool, too," Chattanooga first-tear manager Tommy Watkins said. "Nick Gordon was a leader in the clubhouse. When we lost him, you could definitely see a difference in the team.
"After a few games, I think we're starting to find our way again."
Sunday's loss followed Saturday night's 11-10 victory that was highlighted by English and Brent Rooker at the top of the order. The two combined for seven hits and seven runs scored, and Rooker contributed to Chattanooga's lone run Sunday by drawing a bases-loaded walk in the second inning.
"I've hit leadoff a lot in my career, and Rook has been hitting second pretty much ever since he's been here, so I know he's comfortable in that role," English said. "Overall, we're still playing some good baseball. We're still in the (North Division) lead even after losing some of these games. We just have to keep grinding."
Said third baseman T.J. White: "I wouldn't say that we've been pressing since they left. We've been in all these games. We lost a couple in extra innings. We're still playing hard, and that's all we can do."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.