BayBears hold off West Tenn
June 11, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
Jackson, Ten. â The BayBears jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, but had to hold on to win game three of their series against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, 5-4. BayBears starter Chris Rojas (3-5) earned the win in his first start since May 15th. Rojas threw five solid innings allowing two runs on just three hits while striking out three.
Mobile's Jon Knott remained red hot as he drove in the BayBears first two runs. After a Jake Gautreau double and Rico Washington walk, Knott pounded a two-run double off of the right field wall for a 2-0 first inning lead.
BayBears' catcher Humberto Quintero drew a leadoff walk from West Tenn starter John Webb in the second and crossed the plate ahead of Vince Faison who crushed his third homerun of the season to right.
"It was 3-0 count with the pitcher on deck," Faison said. "It was your typical fastball down the middle. You can't miss that pitch if you get it."
The homerun was the BayBears sixth of the series and 51st of the season, which now leads the Southern League.
"It's fun to watch when the team is hitting like this," BayBears manager Craig Colbert said. "We have five guys on this club that can leave the yard at any time."
The Diamond Jaxx closed their deficit to 4-2 with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings off of Rojas.
Quintero gave the BayBears what would become a much-needed insurance run as he drove home first baseman Jon Benick with a two-out single in the seventh.
BayBears' closer Rusty Tucker began the ninth by giving up three straight singles. Two of those hitters would score and the tying run was on third with one out. Tucker then recorded a strikeout and a popup to end the game and record his now league leading 18th save of the season.
The BayBears and Diamond Jaxx will conclude their series Thursday night at 7:05. LHP Cory Stewart (5-4; 3.27) will face West Tenn's RHP Sergio Mitre (4-5; 4.80). The BayBears will return home on Friday to face the Orlando Rays ending the Southern League's first half.
Hank Aaron Stadium will be hosting a Father's Day weekend celebration. All children are invited to play catch with their fathers on the field prior to every game through the weekend from 6:00-6:30.
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Southern League Stories from June 11, 2003
- BayBears hold off West Tenn - Mobile BayBears
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- Barons Stay Alive at Rickwood, 5-1 - Birmingham Barons
- Stars Fall at Rickwood, 6-1 - Huntsville Stars
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- Suns Pound O-Rays 14-3 - Orlando Rays
- Suns come alive in 14-3 win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Newborns Have a Ball - Knoxville Smokies
- Stars Win Sloppy Game, 7-4 - Birmingham Barons
- Stars Hang on for 7-4 Win - Huntsville Stars
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