Barons Shut Out Stars, 2-0

Published on April 22, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Huntsville, AL – In a duel of outstanding left-handers, Birmingham's Neal Cotts and the Stars' Luis Martinez were as good as advertised. Cotts picked up his fourth win in as many starts, and Martinez still has not allowed an earned run in 23 innings this season. The Barons (6-11) edged Huntsville (10-8), 2-0, on Monday night to avoid their first four-game sweep at Joe Davis Stadium since 1990.

Cotts (4-0) allowed only four hits and three walks with five strikeouts in six innings. The Stars loaded the bases twice against Cotts but could not score, and Cotts retired 12 straight batters from the second through the sixth.

Martinez (2-1) suffered a tough-luck loss, giving up only an unearned run on just two hits and three walks while fanning nine through six innings. Martinez has struck out 33 batters and permitted only seven hits in 23 innings over his first four starts. Martinez's 21 2/3 scoreless innings is the longest to start a season in the Stars' 19-year history.

Hunstville squandered its two best scoring chances in the game. Huntsville had scored in the first inning of victories in the series' first three games, and the Stars loaded the bases to start the first in the finale. Cotts quickly retired Corey Hart on a lineout, then Brandon Gemoll hit a blooper to shallow left. Shortstop Guillermo Reyes made the catch and threw out Ryan Knox trying to score for an inning-ending double play.

J.J. Hardy's double, Corey Hart's infield single and Brandon Gemoll's walk loaded the bases with two outs in the sixth. Cotts struck out Ryan Gripp to the end the frame. Huntsville had a runner in scoring position in both the seventh and eight but could not cash in a run.

A bunt-single, passed ball and Hart's error at third base allowed Reyes to score the Barons' fifth-inning run, and Birmingham added an insurance run with the help of a wild pitch in the ninth. Danny Sandoval's infield-single delivered Carlos Maldonado from third for a 2-0 Barons lead.

Royce Ring suffered the loss on Sunday, but he rebounded with two scoreless innings of relief, fanning three and surrendering only Dave Krynzel's infield-single. Ring notched his third save of the season.

Huntsville travels to Mobile for its first series against the Bay Bears in 2003. The Stars send right-hander Mike Jones (1-1, 5.52) against Chris Rojas (1-0, 2.87) in the opener Tuesday night. Game time is 7:05 p.m. CST. Listen to the Stars on Jammin' 1550, ESPN 1450 and at www.huntsvillestars.com. Broadcast start is 6:50 p.m. CST.

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Southern League Stories from April 22, 2003


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