Stars' Furious Rally Falls Short, 5-3

June 24, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Huntsville, AL - In a heavyweight prize fight proving worthy of the hype, the top two teams in the Southern League have stood toe-to-toe through the first two rounds. For the second straight night, Carolina won on points. The Mudcats sent the Stars to their third loss in a row, 5-3, on Monday night at Joe Davis Stadium.

Carolina threw a first-inning haymaker, landing it squarely on Huntsville's jaw. Right-hander Matt Parker, carrying a scant 2.10 earned run average into the game, was roughed up by Carolina's vaunted offense, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in the first inning alone. Matt Padgett doubled home two runs and another scored when Josh Wilson grounded into a bases-loaded double play. The Mudcats then went to the jab, scoring a single tally in both the third and fourth for a 5-0 lead.

Mudcats right-hander Denny Bautista (1-0) won his Southern League debut, shackling Huntsville on three hits and two walks while fanning five over six shutout innings. Bautista tossed four perfect frames before allowing consecutive singles in the fifth. The Stars' best scoring chance against Bautista came in the sixth, when they loaded the bases with two outs. Bautista won a great battle with Corey Hart, who grounded out after fouling off four two-strike pitches to end the frame.

The Stars landed several punches of their own in a furious ninth-inning rally. Brandon Gemoll walked and Noochie Varner followed with a single. Richard Paz singled to load the bases, and Mike Kremblas walked to force in a run. Sean Fesh relieved Jose Cueto, and pinch-hitter Ryan Gripp singled off Drew Niles' glove at third, driving in Gemoll with Huntsville's first run. Ryan Knox then hit a bouncer to third, and the Mudcats turned a critical double play on an extremely close play at first. Fesh fanned Dave Krynzel to seal the victory and record his fifth save.

With Huntsville's bullpen overworked, closer Mike Adams delivered the team's best relief effort of the season, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless, no-hit innings. In his longest outing this year, Adams allowed only a walk while striking out a season-high six. Adams lowered his earned run average from 3.54 to 3.13. Paker (5-3) took the loss, giving up five runs on 10 hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings.

The Stars and Mudcats conclude the three-round bout Tuesday night at Joe Davis Stadium. Huntsville right-hander Ben Hendrickson (1-1, 4.15) makes his first start in over a month after rehabbing his right elbow in Arizona. Carolina counters with righty Randy Messenger (3-5, 5.71). Game time is 7:05 p.m.



Southern League Stories from June 24, 2003


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