Stars' Winning Streak Snapped at Six

Published on May 3, 2012 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- The Huntsville Stars (16-12) season-high six game winning streak was snapped on Thursday night with a 10-5 loss against the Chattanooga Lookouts (12-16) at Joe Davis Stadium.

After the Lookouts' took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning on a solo-home run by shortstop Jake Lemmerman, the Stars broke out for five straight runs. In the second inning, an RBI single by center fielder Josh Prince and a two-run single by pitcher Evan Anundsen put the Stars up 3-1. Then in the third inning, a two-run double from left fielder Jay Gibbons put Huntsville in a position to increase their winning streak to seven with a 5-1 lead.

From that point on though, it was all Chattanooga, as the Lookouts scored nine unanswered runs from the sixth inning on to capture the game. Lemmerman got the inning started off with a single and advanced to third on a single by JT Wise. Left fielder Kyle Russell hit a deep sac-fly to score Lemmerman. After 81 pitches from Anundsen, pitcher Bradley Blanks was called on in relief. A wild pitch from Blanks followed by a single from Pedro Baez scored Wise to close the gap 5-3. Another single and another wild pitch put runners on second and third. Center fielder Nick Buss singled to left field to plate another two runs and tie the game at five. Reliever Eric Marzec replaced Blanks to get the final out of the inning.

The Stars looked ready to answer back in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff single from first baseman Hunter Morris. The next two batters struck out before Prince doubled to put runners in scoring position. Pinch hitter Lee Haydel didn't provide the drama the Stars were seeking and grounded out to end the inning.

With reliever Roque Mercedes on the mound for Huntsville, the Lookouts took the lead for good. A leadoff single followed by a stolen base put Rafael Ynoa in scoring position. An RBI-single off the bat of Russell gave Chattanooga their sixth run. They put the nail on the coffin in the eighth inning with a leadoff solo shot from Blake Smith. Catcher Griff Erickson followed up with a single and scored on a sacrifice bunt followed by a throwing error from Stars' catcher Jason Jaramillo. The Lookouts tacked on two more runs with back-to-back RBI doubles from Lemmerman and Wise. Reliever RJ Seidel was called in to replace Mercedes with just one out left. Mercedes (1-1) was tagged with the loss, going 1.2 innings and giving up five runs (two earned) on six hits. Seidel closed out the game, retiring the Chattanooga offense in order in the top of the ninth.

The loss spoiled another strong start from Anundsen, who earned a no-decision after pitching 5.1 innings while giving up three runs on just four hits. Chattanooga starter Allen Webster got a no-decision as well, throwing five innings and giving up all five Stars' runs on eight hits.

On offense, the Stars got two hits from Gibbons (2-for-3), including that two-run double in the third inning. Huntsville also got two hits apiece from Prince (2-3), first baseman Morris (2-4) and right fielder Kentrail Davis (2-5). Morris also extended his reign as Southern League doubles leader by hitting double number 14.

On Friday, Huntsville will try to get back on the winning track by sending RHP Kyle Heckathorn (1-0, 3.18 ERA) to the mound to square off against Chattanooga RHP Ethan Martin (2-0, 3.58 ERA). First pitch is at 6:43 PM.

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Southern League Stories from May 3, 2012


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