BayBears Battle Back to Stun Barons in Series Opener
April 25, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
MOBILE, Ala. - After an error by shortstop Gordon Beckham, the BayBears capitalized with consecutive two-out run-scoring singles in the bottom of the seventh to defeat the Birmingham Barons 4-3 on Saturday night in front of 4,664 fans at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Matt Torra started the series opener for the BayBears (12-4) and delivered five formidable innings while giving up two earned runs on a two-run jack to right-center by Tyler Flowers in the third.
The BayBears didn't stay behind for long as James Skelton walked and Gerardo Parra singled with two away in the bottom of the third before an opposite field two-run double by Ricardo Sosa.
Birmingham (10-5) struck back with an unearned run in the fourth as a throwing error by Pedro Ciriaco placed Lee Cruz at second. A single by C.J. Retherford pushed Cruz to third while John Shelby's groundout gave the Barons a 3-2 advantage.
It all came crashing down for Birmingham in the seventh following Beckham's error as Evan Frey was aboard and quickly stole second. Skelton singled home Frey on a roller to right field against reliever John Lujan (0-2) while Parra bounced one through the middle to bring home Skelton, putting the BayBears on top.
The lead was in good hands with Daniel Stange (S, 2) who fired two perfect frames while fanning three. He saved it for Clay Zavada (1-0) who also pitched two innings while allowing no hits to go with three punch outs.
Hector Ambriz (2-1, 1.02) toils for the BayBears on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. as they play game two of their series with the Barons at Hank Aaron Stadium. For tickets, call (251) 479-BEAR or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com.
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Southern League Stories from April 25, 2009
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