BayBears take series finale from Stars
July 17, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
Mobile, Ala. â The BayBears coaching staff could not have asked for anything more from starter Chris Rojas Thursday night. The right-hander was making a spot start out of the bullpen and was all but flawless, leading the BayBears over the Stars in the finale of their four-game series, 3-1.
Rojas (5-6) earned the win as he threw five and one-third shutout innings allowing just two base hits while striking out five batters. Rusty Tucker worked a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 24th save of the season.
Huntsville's starter, Ben Hendrickson, matched Rojas pitch-for-pitch. The BayBears did not have a base runner against Hendrickson until a lead off walk in the bottom of the fourth. The right-hander worked seven innings giving up three runs on just five base hits.
The BayBears got on the board in the fourth. After Bobby Scales walked to lead off the frame, Hendrickson retired the next two hitters. Jon Knott then drew another walk to put runner on first and second. Jake Gautreau followed with a two-run double down the line, scoring both runners.
In the fifth, the BayBears added their third run with the held off some chalk. J.J. Furminiak walked to lead off the inning and was sacrificed to second by Rojas. Scales then hit a single threw the left side, putting runners at the corners. With two outs, Vince Faison hit a slow roller down the first base line. Hendrickson let it roll but it hugged the chalk until it came to a stop right on top of the line.
Huntsville scored their run in the eighth against reliever Bryan Gaal on an infield grounder that went threw the legs on Furminiak at short, making the final score 3-1.
The BayBears now welcome the Chattanooga Lookouts to town for a four-game series beginning Friday night. RHP Justin Germano will be making his BayBears debut on the mound for Mobile. He was 9-5 at Lake Elsinore before being promoted. Germano will face Chattanooga's Josh Hall (4-7; 3.22).
The BayBears will be giving away Thunderstix to the first 1,000 fans through the gates at Hank Aaron Stadium. Also, as with every Friday night, there will be a fireworks spectacular following the game.
Southern League Stories from July 17, 2003
- BayBears take series finale from Stars - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies Offense Comes To Life - Knoxville Smokies
- Rays Earn Split by Downing Suns 4-1 - Orlando Rays
- Rays down Suns, 4-1 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Future Huntsville Star Wins 2003 Golden Spikes Award - Huntsville Stars
- Stars Win Second Straight, 8-7 - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears drop back and forth game - Mobile BayBears
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