BayBears Jump Into The Win Column
Published on April 6, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
MOBILE, Ala. - Paced by a solid effort from starting pitcher Matt Torra, the BayBears battled for their first victory of the season as they defeated the Carolina Mudcats 5-0 today at Hank Aaron Stadium. Torra (1-0) worked six innings while striking out five batters and walking none.
The BayBears (1-3) began their scoring in the second inning as Cesar Nicolas and Rusty Ryal started the frame by drawing walks against lefty Aaron Thompson (0-1). After a John Hester groundout scooted each runner up a base, Frank Curreri knocked home Nicolas with a sacrifice fly to left.
In the sixth, the BayBears broke the game open against relievers Jesus Delgado and Chris Mobley. Once again, the base on balls bit the Mudcats (3-1) as Guillermo Reyes and Bryan Byrne started the rally by receiving free passes. With the count in his favor at 3-1, Nicolas turned on a Delgado fastball and doubled down the third base line to bring in Reyes and Byrne, giving the BayBears a 3-0 advantage. A single by Hester and a walk to Curreri loaded the bases once more for the BayBears as Cyle Hankerd was brought in as a pinch hitter and delivered another two-run double to put the BayBears ahead by five.
Once Torra left the ballgame, the BayBears were treated to another dose of strong pitching from their relief corps. Vince Bongiovanni worked the seventh and eighth innings without giving up a hit. He struck out three and walked one. Southpaw Forrest Cory pitched a scoreless ninth while getting John Raynor to fly out with the bases loaded for the final out of the ballgame.
BEAR CLAWS
- Hankerd's pinch-hit double in the sixth was the BayBears' first pinch-hit of the 2008 season.
- Another BayBear first occurred in the fourth inning as Kris Harvey was picked off first base by Torra which gave Mobile their first pickoff of the season.
- The Mudcats didn't have a runner reach third in the ballgame until Manuel Mayorson's single in the ninth inning put Andrew Jenkins on third base.
The BayBears are home again tomorrow as they look to close out their opening series with another victory against the Mudcats at 11:35 a.m. Call 479-BEAR for tickets or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com.
Southern League Stories from April 6, 2008
- Biscuits And Lookouts Split Doubleheader - Montgomery Biscuits
- Suns Sweep Sunday Doubleheader From Diamond Jaxx - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Pitching Pushes Stars To Another Win - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears Jump Into The Win Column - Mobile BayBears
- Jakubauskas placed on active roster, starts today - Jackson Generals
- Stars Sweep Twin Bill - Huntsville Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
