Hart's Slam Leads Stars Past Bears, 6-3

April 23, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Mobile, AL – For the second straight day, the Stars loaded the bases with nobody out in the first. On Monday, Huntsville failed to score and ultimately suffered a 2-0 loss to Birmingham. Tuesday night at Hank Aaron Stadium, the Stars capitalized quickly. Corey Hart launched a towering grand slam that propelled Huntsville to a 6-3 win over the Bay Bears. Huntsville moved back into first place in the Southern League West, ½-game ahead of West Tennessee.

Bears starter Chris Rojas pitched himself into a first-inning jam. Ryan Knox, Dave Krynzel and J.J. Hardy drew consecutive walks to start the game. After a 10-pitch at-bat, Hart finally won his battle with Rojas, hitting a majestic drive down the left field line. Hooking all the way, the ball sailed high over the foul pole in the leftfield corner. After it was ruled a homerun, Bears skipper Craig Colbert charged out of the dugout to bark at plate ump Jeff Spisak. Colbert was ejected, and the Stars led, 4-0, before an out was recorded.

After the Bears had chipped away at the lead, Huntsville sealed the game in the ninth. Reliever Alan Webb plunked pinch-hitter Chris Cosbey, then he threw wildly on a pick-off attempt and Cosbey raced to second. Ryan Knox's bunt died in front of home plate, and catcher Humberto Quintero picked it up and ran toward Cosbey, who was caught between second and third. Cosbey danced around before retreating toward second, and when he got there, Knox was standing on the bag. Knox was ruled out with two men occupying the same base. Krynzel drew a walk, then Cosbey and Krynzel pulled off a double steal. Hardy was walked intentionally, setting the table for Hart. Hart delivered a line-drive single to left, scoring Cosbey from third. Brandon Gemoll's sacrifice fly plated Krynzel for a 6-2 Stars advantage.

Mike Jones (2-1) picked up his second win for the Stars, allowing one run on five hits and four walks while fanning five over five innings. Rojas (1-1) suffered the loss, giving up five hits, three walks and four earned runs in four innings. Matt Childers provided three solid innings of relief for Huntsville, permitting one run on three hits while striking out three, and closer Mike Adams fanned two and surrendered a solo homer to Todd Donovan in the ninth.

Hitting Stars:
Corey Hart – 3-for-5, HR, five RBI
Ryan Knox – 1-for-4, BB, SB, extended hitting streak to 11 games
Dave Krynzel – 1-for-3, 2 BB, 2 SB, 2 R
Brandon Gemoll – 1-for-3, SB, SAC FLY, RBI

"Man, that first inning felt like de ja vu," Stars pitching coach Stan Kyles said. "When the ump signaled fair on Corey's ball, I was ecstatic.

Huntsville plays game two of the four-game set at Mobile on Wednesday at 11:35 a.m. Pedro Liriano (1-2, 4.20) takes the mound against the Bears' Roger Deago (1-0, 1.76). Listen to the Stars on Jammin' 1550 WLOR, ESPN 1450 WTKI and at www.huntsvillestars.com. Broadcast time is 11:20 a.m.



Southern League Stories from April 23, 2003


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