Red-Hot Iribarren Comes Through in Clutch

Published on August 3, 2007 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Hernan Iribarren singled in the go-ahead run in a two-run ninth rally that lifted Huntsville to a 3-1 win over Mississippi Friday night in the opener of a five-game set at Trustmark Park. The Stars improved to 24-17 in the second half and lengthened their lead over Chattanooga in the North Division to a game and a half, while the Braves slumped to 14-27 in the second half and 13 ½ games behind front-running Jacksonville in the South Division. The Stars squared the season series at three games apiece.

Jose Ascanio, who just returned to the M-Braves after five days in the big leagues with Atlanta, took over on the hill in the ninth and issued a four-pitch walk to leadoff man Steve Moss, who moved to second base on an Alcides Escobar sacrifice bunt and to third on a Mel Stocker single. Iribarren, with Stocker going, ripped a line drive single to right field to deliver Moss to break the deadlock and collect his third hit of the game. Pinch-hitter Ryan Crew followed with a single to score Stocker to stretch the lead to two and drive in his fourth run in a pinch-hitting role. Luis Pena tossed a scoreless ninth inning to preserve the win and earn his sixth save in eight chances with the Stars.

Brendan Katin led off the second inning with a single, moved to second base on a Moss single and both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Escobar. Stars' starter Corey Thurman struck out before Iribarren walked to load the bases and Michael Brantley walked to force in Katin with the game's first run. Adam Heether led off the third with a double, moved to third base on a Lou Palmisano fly out but was thrown out at the plate on a one-hop throw by left fielder Matt Young after he caught Katin's liner. The Stars lined out into three inning-ending double plays and have hit into 14 twin-killings in their last six games.

Diory Hernandez led off the home fourth with a single, sped to third on a Carl Loadenthal base hit and scored to tie the game on a sacrifice fly by Isaiah Ka'aihue, who knocked in his first run since joining the Braves. The Stars had a chance to take the lead in the fifth but wasted a leadoff triple by Iribarren, who has collected multiple hits in eight of his last 10 starts. Brantley grounded out to first base and Steve Sollmann walked before Heether lined out to center field and Sollmann, who was breaking on a 3-2 pitch, was doubled off at first base to end the frame.

Robert Hinton earned the win with two scoreless innings, his first victory since April 18th at home against Jacksonville. Thurman lasted six innings, his longest outing of the season, yielding a lone run on four hits, walking one and punching out a season-high seven. The Stars won a game started by Thurman for the first time since his first turn June 4 at Chattanooga.

The series continues Saturday night with left-hander Derek Miller taking the hill for the Stars against Braves' right-hander Ryan Baerlocher. Coverage begins at 6:50 pm central time and can be heard on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and via the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com

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Southern League Stories from August 3, 2007


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