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Holliman and Bullpen Hold Off Smokies

July 1, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Mark Holliman worked 5 2/3 innings and the bullpen survived some late scoring threats, as Huntsville held off Tennessee 3-1 Wednesday night in the fourth of a six-game set at Smokies Park. The Stars improved to 6-4 in the second half and regained sole possession of first place in the North Division, while the Smokies dropped to 5-5 in the second half and a game behind in the standings.

Russ Canzler delivered a single as a pinch-hitter with one out in the fifth and advanced to third base on a Jonathan Mota double but was thrown out after rounding the bag too far. Jim Adduci followed with a base hit to knock in Mota with the game's first run.

Smokies' starter Jeremy Papelbon was lifted after five scoreless frames, giving up three hits, walking three and fanning three. Jake Muyco took over in the sixth and allowed a leadoff hit to Michael Garciaparra and then walked the next two batters to load the bases. Vinny Rottino followed with a single to plate Garciaparra to get the game tied before Chuck Caufield flied out to bring in Jonathan Lucory with the go-ahead run and move Kevin Melillo to third base. However, the rally was squashed when Freddy Parejo grounded into a double play. Tennessee turned five ground ball double plays in the game, including three with a Stars' runner in scoring position.

Stars' starter Mark Holliman lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up a run on seven hits, while walking one and striking out four. The right-hander improved to 7-2 and has won each of his last six decisions. Zach Braddock took over and threw two scoreless innings, stranding the potential tying run at second base in the seventh and leaving with the bases loaded in the eighth after a single and two walks. Rob Wooten came on to strike out pinch-hitter Tony Thomas to end the rally and keep the Stars in the lead.

Pinch-hitter Johnny Raburn singled with one out in the ninth and scored on a two-out single by Adam Stern that pushed the visitors lead to 3-1. Robert Hinton took the hill in the ninth for the Stars and walked Mota to begin the inning and then committed a fielding error on a Marquez Smith ground ball that put two runners on with one out. The runners advanced on a Doug Deeds ground out before the Stars elected to walk Tyler Colvin to load the bases and go after Wellington Castillo, who took a called third strike to end the game. Hinton recorded his tenth save of the season.

The series continues Thursday evening with right-hander Josh Butler starting for the Stars against Tennessee right-hander Jay Jackson. Coverage of the game begins at 6:00 pm central time and can be heard through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com.

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