Stars Fall to Mudcats in 13, 6-2

Published on June 23, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Huntsville, AL - In a bizarre four-hour marathon, the Stars (3-2) batted out of order, scored the tying run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and had a player and manager ejected. Ultimately, two Stars errors on one play resulted in a three-run single, and Carolina (3-2) prevailed in 13 innings, 6-2, in the season's first match-up of the Southern League first-half champions.

The wild and wacky game had a little bit of everything, but mostly good pitching. Both starters were outstanding, with neither getting a decision. Stars righty Mike Jones gave up just two runs on four hits over seven innings, and Mudcats lefty Ryan Snare equaled his season-high with seven strikeouts, allowing only one run on four hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Huntsville led, 1-0, on Dave Krynzel's run-scoring single in the third. Carolina took the lead in the third on consecutive doubles by Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Wilson, followed by Jesus Medrano's RBI-groundout. Down 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Huntsville's Chris Barnwell delivered a two-out single to plate Brandon Gemoll with the tying run.

In the 13th, Ryan Miller walked two straight hitters after 3 1/3 outstanding innings of relief. Matt Childers came on to face Gonzalez, who laced a run-scoring double to left. With runners at second and third, Wilson singled up the middle to score Tommy Bost, and centerfielder Ryan Knox's throw home eluded catcher Mike Kremblas. Gonzalez was headed back to third, but when the ball skipped to the screen, he raced home. Childers, backing up home plate, threw wildly back to Kremblas, sailing the ball up the rightfield line, and Wilson scored on his own single for a 6-2 Mudcats lead.

Huntsville squandered an early scoring chance when Kade Johnson batted out of order in the second inning and ripped a one-out double to left-center, sending Corey Hart to third. Apparently, the lineup that had been announced before the game did not match the one presented at home plate to the umpire and opposing manager. Daryl Clark was in the sixth position on that card, not Johnson. Clark was out by rule, on a two-unassisted putout. Johnson had to bat again with a runner at first and two outs and grounded into a force play to end the inning.

In the 10th, Krynzel was ejected for arguing a called third strike, and immediately after Stars skipper Frank Kremblas was tossed for the first time this season when he argued the call in defense of his player.

Miller (0-4) suffered his fourth loss, giving up two runs on two walks and one hit while fanning three over 3 1/3 innings. Ryan Baker (3-1) picked up his third win, tossing four solid innings, surrendering no runs on one hit and one walk with four strikeouts.

In Monday's game two of the series, Matt Parker (5-2, 2.10) goes for the Stars against Carolina right-hander Danny Bautista (0-0, 0.00), who makes his Southern League debut. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Stars mascot Homer the Polecat celebrates his birthday with Mascot Mania at Joe Davis Stadium. All the favorite area mascots will be on hand, with a Harry Potter theme for the evening. Children dressed up like Harry Potter receive free general admission to the game, and Barnes and Noble Booksellers will be giving away Harry Potter goodies throughout the game.

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Southern League Stories from June 23, 2003


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