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Martinez Wins Pitcher of the Week

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


April 18, 2003 – A member of the Milwuakee Brewers' 40-man roster, Huntsville Stars left-hander Luis Martinez, has been named the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for April 11-17.

Martinez, 22, was impressive in two starts, going 2-0 with a 0.00 earned run average. On April 11, Martinez surrendered no runs on two hits over six innings in victory at Jacksonville, fanning nine and walking two. Then on April 16, he won at Orlando with six innings of shutout ball, permitting no runs on three hits while fanning five and walking two. Martinez, a native of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, has been dominant over his first three outings of the season. In three starts, he has fanned 25, including a career-high 11 against Jacksonville on April 5 at Joe Davis Stadium, when he no-hit the Suns over five scoreless innings. His season numbers: 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 17 innings pitched, five hits, no runs, eight walks and 25 strikeouts.

Hart's Blast Propels Stars Back into First Place

April 22, 2003 – 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.

"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."

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.

Upcoming Promotions

The Stars return home Saturday night to face the Greenville Braves and the Chattanooga Lookouts in a pair of four game sets. This will be the Braves only trip to Huntsville this season and your only chance to see the future of the Atlanta Braves right here in Huntsville. Here are the highlights for this week!

Saturday April 26th--Redstone Civilian Welfare Fund Night. Complimentary tickets are available on the Arsenal.
Sunday April 27th--Blue Diamond Recording Artist Jill King will sign autographs and sing the National Anthem.
Tuesday April 29th--Businessperson's Special 12:05 pm start and your last chance to see the Braves.
Thursday May 1st--Mayberry Night. Whistling Contest, Opie Look-a-Like Contest and special appearances by Barney Fife, Floyd the Barber and Otis.
Friday May 2nd--Huntsville Hospital presents Fireworks Friday
Saturday May 3rd--Boeing Foam Baseball Giveaway to the first 500 fans. Complimentary tickets at all branches of the Public Library.
Sunday May 4th--WZYP Day. Complimentary tickets at WZYP Studios in Athens.

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Southern League Stories from April 23, 2003


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