Mudcats Finish Off Strong Series Against Stars

Published on August 24, 2007 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Chris Volstad worked seven strong innings and got all the support he needed on a Jai Miller home run to push Carolina past Huntsville 3-2 Friday night in the last of a five-game set at Joe Davis Stadium. The Mudcats took four out of five in the series to boost their second half record to 30-30 and move to within four games of the Stars, who dipped to 34-26 in the second half and saw their lead over Tennessee in the North Division trimmed to a game and a half, pending the outcome of the Smokies game in Mobile. Huntsville was held to seven runs, and no more than two in any ame, and 15 hits total in the four losses.

Lou Palmisano's home run in the second inning, his 11th of the season and first since July 20, staked the Stars to the early lead but it didn't last long. Rex Rundgren singled with one out in the third, Lee Mitchell walked with two outs and Miller blasted his 14th long ball of the season, and second in as many nights, just to the right of straightaway center field to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. The Stars have allowed a home run in nine of their last 10 games and 15 total during that stretch. Narron was saddled with the loss after yielding three runs on five hits, walking three and striking out five. He is 7-8.

Volstad set down nine in a row after Palmisano before a single by Brendan Katin but he was doubled off at first base to end the fifth on a Steve Moss line drive. The right-hander, ranked as Florida's number one prospect entering the season, walked pinch-hitter Mel Stocker in the sixth but stranded him at third base and gave up a two-out single to Palmisano in the seventh before fanning Katin to end the frame. He yielded three hits, walked one and struck out five to pick up his third win in five starts at the double-A level.

Moss led off the eighth inning with a home run, his tenth and first since July 18, to greet Ben Julianel, who then retired the next three hitters. Brandon Villafuerte gave up an infield hit with one out in the ninth to Hernan Iribarren, who was then tagged out returning to the bag after making an apparent move toward second base, before retiring Heether to end the game. The Mudcats, who had blown 30 save opportunities this season, recorded a save in all four wins with Villafuerte grabbing three.

The Stars open a five-game series Saturday night against West Tenn with right-hander Corey Thurman taking the hill against Diamond Jaxx' right-hander Travis Chick. Coverage of the game begins at 6:50 pm central time and can be heard locally on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com.

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Southern League Stories from August 24, 2007


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