Baybears battle, but falter
August 28, 2008 - Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
MOBILE, Ala. - Despite a strong fight in the bottom of the ninth, the BayBears came up just one hit short in a 7-6 loss to the Birmingham Barons on Thursday at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Trailing 7-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, the BayBears (58-77, 29-36) forced Birmingham (72-63, 32-33) to use three pitchers to record the final three outs. Rusty Ryal's RBI double off Joe Torres pulled the BayBears within three before Bryan Byrne's pop out pushed the home team down to their final bullet.
Jon Link was called upon, needing only one out to notch his 35th save, but all three batters he faced reached base including John Hester, who picked up an RBI double and Cyle Hankerd, who singled to make it 7-6. Finally, Brian Omogrosso (S, 1) entered with two on and retired Chris Rahl to end the contest.
The two teams combined for 27 hits on the evening including 11 doubles. Cody Evans (4-8) started for the BayBears and tossed five innings while surrendering two earned runs. Kyle McCulloch (8-11) took the ball for the Barons and pitched seven frames while scattering 10 hits and two runs.
The BayBears send Tony Barnette (11-7, 4.00) to the mound on Friday in game two of their series with the Barons set to use left-hander Aaron Poreda (2-4, 3.09) at 7:05. Call (251) 479-BEAR for tickets or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com.
Key Moment
With two outs and two on in the sixth, Vince Bongiovanni let a wild pitch loose which allowed Jared Price to score. On the play at the plate, the ball got away from Bongiovanni, bringing Miguel Negron home with a second run.
Key Player
Gerardo Parra had a big night for the BayBears as he reached base five times on two walks, two singles and an RBI double.
Key Number
With the loss, the BayBears fell to 33-33 at home this season.
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Southern League Stories from August 28, 2008
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