Late Rally Leads Looks to Win

Published on August 14, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Tonys Gutierrez knocked in the winning runs in the ninth inning to lead Chattanooga to a 5-4 win over Huntsville in a see-saw affair Thursday night in the middle of a five-game series at Joe Davis Stadium. The Lookouts improved to 22-31 in the second half, while the Stars fell to 25-28. Huntsville leads the season series 11-7.

Juan Sandoval opened the ninth inning on the hill for Huntsville and was greeted by a leadoff single by Danny Dorn. Pinch-hitter Michael DeJesus dropped down a sacrifice bunt attempt that was fielded by third baseman Mat Gamel, who threw wildly into center field allowing Dorn to reach third and DeJesus to advance to second base. After a ground out, Gutierrez chopped a single over a drawn-in infield to score both runners to give the Lookouts a 5-3 lead.

Former Stars' closer Joe Valentine was called on to protect the lead in the bottom of the inning and gave up a two-out, run-scoring to Angel Salome that trimmed the lead to 5-4. Gamel followed with an infield hit before Cole Gillespie lined out to end the game. The Stars dropped to 16-27 in games decided by one run.

Gamel reached on a fielder's choice in the eighth, moved to second on a Gillespie base hit and scored to tie the game at three on a two-out single by Chris Errecart. Mike Bell was hit by a pitch to load the bases but pinch-hitter Guilder Rodriguez fanned to end the inning. Robert Manuel was charged with the run on three hits over three innings in relief of starter Sam LeCure.

BJ Szymanski's home run and a Chris Valaika sacrifice fly gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the third before Alcides Escobar doubled in a run and Salome singled home a run to get the game tied in the bottom half of the inning. Salome had his first four-hit game of the season and has driven in 19 of his 76 runs this season against Chattanooga.

Chris Heisey's run-scoring double in the fifth put the Looks back on top 3-2. Stars' starter Brae Wright went seven innings, giving up seven hits, walking one and striking out a season-high ten. He remains winless since June 26 and has not won at home since May 24. LeCure allowed eight hits and fanned five over his five frames.

The Stars series continues Thursday evening with left-hander David Welch taking the mound against Lookouts' southpaw Pedro Viola. Coverage begins at 6:50 pm central time and can be heard locally on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com and www.730ump.com.

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Southern League Stories from August 14, 2008


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