Haren Leads Smokies Past Stars

Published on May 13, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


May 13, 2003 – For the second straight game, a Tennessee hurler made his first start against the Stars. On Monday, Rhett Parrott shackled Huntsville bats. Dan Haren applied the clamps on Tuesday afternoon at Joe Davis Stadium. The St. Louis Cardinals' No. 1 prospect struck out a season-high 11 in the Smokies' 1-0 victory over the Stars.

Huntsville (22-15) lost their first four-game series this season and dropped back-to-back games for the first time since April 13-14. The Stars' lead in the Southern League West Division was trimmed to three games over either West Tenn or Birmingham, pending the outcome of the their meeting Tuesday night.

During one overpowering stretch from the first through third innings, Haren struck out six of seven batters. He had nine strikeouts after four innings, already eclipsing his previous season-high of eight. The Stars' only threat came in the fifth, when back-to-back singles and a walk – Haren has issued only six free passes all season – loaded the bases with one out. Haren promptly struck out Ryan Knox for the third time in the game, then Dave Krynzel grounded to first to end the inning. For good measure, Haren retired the last eight batters he faced to complete seven innings.

The Smokies scored their lone run in the seventh, as Yadier Molina and John Nelson led off with consecutive singles against reliever Derek Lee. Haren dropped down a bunt, but Lee threw out Molina at third. Skip Schumaker hit a ground ball to first that forced Haren out at second. With runners at first and third and two outs, Caonabo Cosme laced a double down the rightfield line, his second of the game and league-high 18th of the season. Nelson scored easily, and Cosme did not see Schumaker stop at third. As Cosme slid into third, Schumaker realized Cosme's blunder and broke for the plate. The Stars retired Schumaker in a rundown to end the inning.

Haren (6-0) allowed just four singles and one walk while striking out 11 in seven frames, recording his sixth win in eight starts this season. Derek Lee (4-1) suffered a hard-luck loss, surrendering one run on four hits in three solid innings of relief. Michael Lyons tossed a perfect ninth for his second save of the series and 13th of the season. Stars starter Pedro Liriano threw five scoreless innings, permitting three hits and two walks while fanning four.

Huntsville rests Wednesday before resuming play Thursday at West Tenn, when right-hander Mike Jones (4-1, 2.43) meets Diamond Jaxx righty John Webb (0-6, 6.27) in the series opener. Jones carries a streak of 21 consecutive scoreless innings. Game time is 6:35 p.m. CT.

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Southern League Stories from May 13, 2003


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