Mudcats Grab Opener of Series

Published on July 22, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Gaby Hernandez worked six solid innings and drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run in Carolina's 3-2 decision over Huntsville Tuesday night in the opener of a five-game set at Five County Stadium. The Stars dropped to 17-14 in the second half and a game and a half behind division leading Tennessee, pending the outcome of their game, while the Mudcats improved to 16-15 in the second half. Carolina has taken eight of the 12 games between the two teams this season.

Cole Gillespie walked to begin the ninth inning against Chris Mobley, who took over on the hill for Todd Doolittle to start the frame, and advanced to second base on a Michael Garciaparra sacrifice bunt but stayed there after Freddy Parejo flied out and Martin Maldonado took a called third strike to end the game. Mobley earned his 19th save of the season and sixth against the Stars.

Gillespie's one-out home run in the second inning gave the Stars a 1-0 lead. It was his 13th long ball of the year and third against the Mudcats. Mike Bell started the fourth with a double, moved to third base on a bunt base hit by Alcides Escobar and scored on a Gillespie fielder's choice grounder to push the visitors lead to 2-0.

Gaby Sanchez drew a leadoff walk in the fourth, moved to third base on a single by Bryan Peterson, who took second on the throw back to the infield, and scored on a Brae Wright wild pitch to cut the lead to 2-1. Brad Davis walked to put runners at the corners before Smelin Perez doubled to drive in Peterson to tie the game and move Davis to third base with just his third hit in 34 double-A at-bats. Hernandez then sent a line drive to right field deep enough to plate Davis with the go-ahead run.

Hernandez was removed after JR Hopf's lead off single in the seventh and was replaced by Jesus Delgado, who retired the next three hitters to end the inning. Hernandez improved to 2-0 after allowing six hits and fanning six. Doolittle tossed a scoreless eighth inning, allowing a hit and ended the frame by striking out Mat Gamel, who for the first time has gone four games in a row without a hit and is hitless in his last 15 at-bats.

Wright took the loss, going six innings and yielding six hits, while walking four and striking out five. Huntsville has scored only four runs while he has been in the game over his last three starts, which have resulted in two losses and a no-decision. Steve Bray tossed two scoreless innings behind Wright.

The series continues Wednesday night with Stars' right-hander Donovan Hand taking the hill against Mudcats right-hander Willie Glen. Coverage of the game begins at 6:00 pm central time and can be heard locally on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com and www.730ump.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from July 22, 2008


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.

OurSports Central