Offense Foils Stars' Winning Streak

Published on May 25, 2012 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- The Huntsville Stars had a three-game winning streak snapped on Friday night as they lost to the Birmingham Barons by a score of 3-1 at Joe Davis Stadium.

The Barons got all the offense they needed in the second inning. Designated hitter Damaso Espino doubled to lead off the frame and advanced to third on a single by left fielder Kenny Williams Jr. Both runs scored after a ground ball off the bat of shortstop Tyler Saladino prompted a throwing error at first by Stars starting pitcher Kyle Heckathorn to put Birmingham on the board 2-0.

Unfortunately for the Stars, the only scoring they'd be able to manage was in the bottom half of the second as designated hitter Domnit Bolivar hit a solo home run to lead off the inning. For Bolivar, it was his first round-tripper of the season.

Huntsville was silenced the rest of the way by a slew of Birmingham arms that were led by starting pitcher Pedro Hernandez. The southpaw improved to 6-1 on the year after giving up just one run on five hits through six innings. Reliever Dan Remenowsky also pitched two scoreless innings and closer Ryan Kussmaul earned his fifth save of the season with a smooth ninth inning.

The Stars offensive struggle wasted a strong effort by Heckathorn, who fell to 2-4 on the year after giving up just two runs (one earned) in five innings pitched while striking out six. Reliever Dan Merklinger also pitched well, giving up just one run on a solo shot by Barons second basemen Erik Morrison in the ninth inning while striking out five in four innings of work.

The final game of a five-game series between the two teams will begin on Saturday as the Huntsville will send RHP Hiram Burgos (0-1, 4.76 ERA) to square off against Birmingham LHP Matt Wickswat (1-2, 9.00 ERA). First pitch is at 6:43 PM.

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Southern League Stories from May 25, 2012


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