Barons Keep Regions Field Magic Alive with Comeback Win over Lookouts
May 5, 2013 - Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release
On a cold, damp Sunday afternoon in Birmingham, the Barons overcame deficits of 2-0, 9-4 and 13-8 on their way to a 16-14 victory and a series sweep of the Chattanooga Lookouts in front of 3,191 fans at Regions Field.
In a game that featured 30 runs, 32 hits and took over four hours to complete, the Barons showed the resolve and never-say-die attitude that has been on display often during the team's seven-game winning streak and run to the best record in the Southern League at 20-10.
Starter Stephen McCray, winner of four-straight starts entering the game, was knocked out after just 2.2 innings thanks in part to two critical errors that led to six unearned runs in a seven run third inning which put the Barons in an early 9-4 hole.
Winners of seven-straight games at home entering Sunday's contest, the Barons refused to wilt despite the large deficit but still trailed by a score of 10-5 entering the sixth. The Barons tallied three runs in the frame thanks in part to three walks by Lookouts reliever Eric Eadington and a base hit by Tyler Saladino to close within two runs at 10-8. The Lookouts responded in the top of the seventh with three runs of their own on RBI doubles by Yasiel Puig and C.J. Retherford, increasing their lead to 13-8.
Undaunted, the Barons responded with three more runs in the bottom half of the inning on a bases-clearing double by Cody Puckett. Puckett would finish 3-for-4 on the night with two runs scored.
The Barons would complete the comeback with five runs in the eighth. RBI singles by Trayce Thompson and Saladino tied the score at 13-13. With the bases loaded and one out, Dan Wagner pinch hit for Puckett and sent a ground ball to shortstop Miguel Rojas. Rojas attempted to get the force out at home but his throw got away from catcher Matt Wallach allowing Andy Wilkins and Saladino to score. The Barons would tack on one more in the inning on an RBI single by Joe DePinto to take a 16-13 lead they would not relinquish.
The win went to reliever Taylor Thompson (2-0, 3.18) while Ryan Kussmaul picked up his second save of the season as the Barons improved to 20-10 and 13-2 at Regions Field. The loss went to Lookouts reliever Luis Vasquez who allowed all five runs in the eighth inning as the Lookouts fell to 11-19.
The Barons will have the day off on Monday before traveling to Kodak, Tennessee for a five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies. LHP Spencer Arroyo (2-1, 2.36) gets the start for the Barons in game one. He'll be opposed by RHP Matt Loosen (0-0, 3.86). First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 6:15 PM CDT.
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Southern League Stories from May 5, 2013
- Barons Keep Regions Field Magic Alive with Comeback Win over Lookouts - Birmingham Barons
- Wahoos Avoid Sweep with 8-2 Victory - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Stars Split Doubleheader, Lose Series against BayBears - Huntsville Stars
- M-Braves Take Series Finale 6-0 - Mississippi Braves
- Braves Take Series Finale 6-0 over Smokies - Tennessee Smokies
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