Stars Drop Second Straight, 2-0

Published on August 21, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Zebulon, NC – This time, a former top pick shackled the Stars. Donnie Bridges tossed seven scoreless frames and delivered the game-winning hit in Carolina's 2-0 shutout of Huntsville on Thursday night at Five County Stadium. Two nights earlier, 21-year-old Justin Germano tossed a three-hitter in Mobile's 7-1 defeat of the Stars. With Thursday's loss, Huntsville (32-27) remained one-half game behind Birmingham in the Southern League West standings.

Montreal's 1997 first-round selection, Bridges pitched six seasons in the Expos' system before Florida acquired him a trade last summer. Bridges' first full season in the Marlins' organization continues to be his best. Making his first start against Huntsville, Bridges (10-1) notched his 10th win, permitting just two singles and four walks while fanning six over seven shutout innings.

Bridges provided all the game's offense in the Mudcats' fifth. With one out, Drew Niles walked and Chip Ambres singled through the left side of the infield. Ryan Jorgensen followed with a dribbler up the third base line for an swinging-bunt single. With the bases loaded, Bridges, batting over .370 entering the game, grounded a 2-2 fastball up the middle, plating Niles and Ambres for a 2-0 Cats lead.

"Bridges reminded me of a big league pitcher," Stars pitching coach Stan Kyles said. "He didn't give us a whole lot of good pitches to hit. He really handcuffed us.

The Carolina bullpen followed Bridges' lead, authoring two scoreless innings behind him. Set-up man Sean Fesh allowed one hit in the eighth, and closer Mike Flannery fanned two while giving up one hit in the ninth. Over nine innings, Huntsville advanced just three runners past first base.

Stars starter Pedro Liriano suffered just his second loss in his last six starts despite six solid innings. Liriano (9-12) surrendered two runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Matt Parker and Jeff Hundley both threw scoreless innings in relief for Huntsville.

In game two of the series Friday night, the Stars send righty Jason Shelley (3-0, 1.80) against Mudcats right-hander Nic Ungs (2-4, 3.98). Game time is 6:15 p.m. CT. The Bill Penney Toyota Pre-game show starts at 6:00 p.m. CT. Stars baseball can be heard on Jammin' 1550 WLOR, ESPN 1450 WTKI and at www.huntsvillestars.com.

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Southern League Stories from August 21, 2003


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