
Trash Pandas Blanked by Lookouts on Wednesday
May 21, 2025 - Southern League (SL)
Rocket City Trash Pandas News Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On Wednesday, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (12-27) were shut out for the second time this season, losing 3-0 to the Chattanooga Lookouts (20-20) at AT&T Field. This defeat marks the Trash Pandas' fourth consecutive loss, with the Lookouts winning the series' first two games.
Wednesday's game featured another bullpen day from the Rocket City pitching staff. Despite walking eight batters, the six pitchers performed admirably. Jesus Cruz made his second start, pitching 2.2 innings without allowing any runs or hits, while walking three and striking out three. Former Lookouts pitcher Sean Poppen gave up two hits in the fourth inning but struck out two batters in 1.1 shutout innings.
Chattanooga's Jose Acuna (W, 5-2), one of the top pitchers in the Southern League this season, matched the Pandas' efforts by not allowing a hit until back-to-back singles from David Calabrese and Nelson Rada in the sixth inning. Acuna ended the game with 6.0 shutout innings, yielding just two hits, walking two, and striking out five.
The Lookouts had numerous chances to score, stranding eight runners on base from the third to the fifth innings. They finally broke through in the sixth inning with two outs, thanks to three walks issued by reliever Jordan Holloway (L, 0-1). With the bases loaded, Edwin Arroyo singled up the middle to bring home two runs, putting the Lookouts ahead 2-0.
In the seventh inning, Chattanooga capitalized again with two outs. Brady Choban faced tough luck, giving up two consecutive broken-bat singles, which put two runners on base. The next batter, Austin Hendrick, hit a gap shot in left-center, bringing home Ruben Ibarra to extend the lead to 3-0.
Rocket City placed two runners on the top of the ninth inning via walks, but Trevor Kunkl (S, 4) escaped with the save.
Rada led the Trash Pandas with two of their four hits, finishing the game 2-for-4 and recording his team-best 11th multi-hit game of the season. Rada has reached base in 11 of his last 12 games and is batting .316 in May. The Trash Pandas finished the night 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, stranding nine runners on base.
The Trash Pandas and Lookouts will face off again on Thursday night at AT&T Field for the third game of this six-game series. Rocket City will send left-hander Sam Aldegheri (1-2, 4.50) to the mound, while the Lookouts will counter with right-hander Kevin Abel (1-5, 7.67). Fans can catch the game on Bally Sports Live, MiLB.tv, or listen on ESPN 97.7 HD-2 and trashpandasbaseball.com
Even with the team out of town, the fun continues at Toyota Field as the Trash Pandas partner with Kissel Entertainment for the sixth annual Big Ol' Ballpark Fair through May 25. The Fair will be open Tuesday-Friday at 4 pm, then at 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Armbands with access to all the rides cost $35 Friday-Sunday and $30 Tuesday-Thursday. Admission is $10 daily, and parking at Toyota Field is $5. Discounted wristbands are available if you purchase in advance before May 14. You can find more information by visiting kisselentertainment.com.
The Rocket City Trash Pandas return to Toyota Field and welcome the Biloxi Shuckers, May 27 to June 1, with promotions scheduled such as the first Tito's Dog Day, Friday and Saturday Night Fireworks, and the first appearance for Lunaticos de Rocket City and a Lunaticos Sugar Skull Bobblehead Giveaway presented By Early Services.
Tickets are available starting at just $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com. Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1. Fans can book their group outings for the 2025 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or calling the group sales department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2. 20-game mini-plans are also available at tptix.com.
Southern League Stories from May 21, 2025
- Mejia Dominates Again as Clingstones Cruise to 5-1 Win over Montgomery - Columbus Clingstones
- Trash Pandas Blanked by Lookouts on Wednesday - Rocket City Trash Pandas
- Montgomery Pitchers Out-Dueled in 5-1 Loss to Clingstones - Montgomery Biscuits
- Stellar Outing from Snelling Not Enough in 7-2 Wahoos Loss - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Clingstones Turn Tables on Montgomery with 6-5 Walk-Off Win - Columbus Clingstones
- Knoxville Smokies Announce the Return of All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday - Knoxville Smokies
- Riley Gowens Gets 4th Win in Barons 6-2 Victory over the Blue Wahoos - Birmingham Barons
- Pandas Fall in Rain-Shortened Series Opener in Chattanooga - Rocket City Trash Pandas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Rocket City Trash Pandas Stories
- Trash Pandas Blanked by Lookouts on Wednesday
- Pandas Fall in Rain-Shortened Series Opener in Chattanooga
- Trash Pandas Drop Rain-Shortened Series Opener in Chattanooga, 7-1
- Christian Moore to Triple-A Salt Lake, Former Bob Jones High School Star Mitch Daly Joins Trash Pandas Among Series of Roster Moves
- Moore, Rada Extend Streaks, But Wahoos Take Series with 5-1 Win on Sunday

