Hawkins Homer Sparks Birmingham Win
July 4, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - A Courtney Hawkins home run in the fourth ensured a 4-1 win for Birmingham (39-38, 6-2) over Tennessee (44-33, 5-3) Saturday night at Regions Field, giving the Barons sole possession of first place in the Southern League North standing over the Smokies.
For just the fourth time on the year, Birmingham's overall record stands above the .500 mark. The Barons have not been more than one game above .500 all year, but have not suffered a losing record since beginning the second half with a clean slate.
Starter Frankie Montas (2-1, 2.50 ERA) earned just his third decision in 14 starts, picking up his second win of the season. The right-hander threw six innings, giving up just two hits and one run. The lone Smokies score came on a Bijan Rademacher RBI double in the third inning.
Birmingham made up ground quickly, making Saturday's game just the 10th contest it has won after an opponent scores first (10-35). In the bottom of the third, the red-hot Nicky Delmonico smoked a two-RBI single down the right-field line to plate two runners.
Leading 2-1 going into the fourth, Hawkins provided early Independence Day fireworks with a laser of a home run over the wall in left. The long-ball plated Hawkins and Tim Anderson to put the Barons up 4-1.
Relievers Sean Hagan and Kyle Hansen combined to shut out and no-hit the Smokies through the final three innings. Hagan was credited with his first hold of the year while Hansen earned his first save.
ON DECK The Barons and Smokies battle it out again Sunday with first pitch set for 3 p.m. Right-hander Tyler Danish (4-5, 4.68 ERA) is set to start for Birmingham while Tennessee's starting pitcher is to be decided.
PARK PROMOS Every Sunday at Regions Field serves as Salute to Armed Forces Sunday. Those presenting a Military ID receive $2 off the purchase of any regularly priced ticket. Salute to Armed Forces Sundays are presented by The Home Depot and NAPA.
TICKET BOOTH Tickets to Saturday's game are all gone, but plenty of seats remain for the rest of the five-game home stand. To order tickets, visit Barons.com or call (205) 988-3200. For more information, visit us at www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.
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Southern League Stories from July 4, 2015
- Shuckers Bats Silenced By Faria, Biscuits In 7-2 Loss - Biloxi Shuckers
- Hawkins Homer Sparks Birmingham Win - Birmingham Barons
- Faria Matches Biscuits Record in 7-2 Win - Montgomery Biscuits
- Generals Lose Lead Late, Fall to Braves on Fourth - Jackson Generals
- M-Braves Claim Independence Day Pitcher's Duel - Mississippi Braves
- Suns Shut Out Lookouts on Fourth of July 3-0 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Davis transferred to Iowa; Brockmeyer joins Smokies from Myrtle Beach - Tennessee Smokies
- Hagens Promoted to Durham - Montgomery Biscuits
- Ellington Selected to Team USA for Pan-American Games - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
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