Stars Handle Smokies in Series Finale

Published on April 19, 2012 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


HUNTSVILLE, Ala - On Thursday, the Huntsville Stars closed out their five-game series against the Tennessee Smokies with a 9-7 victory at Joe Davis Stadium.

The Stars got the scoring starting early off of Smokies starting pitcher Dae-Eun Rhee in the first inning. A Brock Kjeldgaard-RBI groundout and an RBI single by Hunter Morris gave Huntsville a 2-0 lead. Then in the second, the Stars tacked on three more runs on an RBI groundout by Josh Prince, an RBI single by Jeff Bianchi and a sacrifice fly by Scooter Gennett, making the score 5-0.

However, the Smokies would not go down without a fight. Tennessee's third baseman Nate Sampson hit a solo shot to put the Smokies on the board. They would go on to score four more unanswered runs over the next four innings off of Stars starting pitcher R.J Seidel and reliever RHP Josh Stinson to tie the game up after six innings.

Luckily for the Stars, that tie would not last for long. Third baseman Andy Gonzalez came through in the clutch with a two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning that gave the Stars the a 7-5 lead.

After the Smokies cut their deficit to one, it was Scooter Gennett who struck yet again, delivering a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning that gave the Stars the lead for good.

On the pitching side, reliever Bradley Blanks was able to shut the door for the Stars in the ninth inning, earning his first save of the season. Stinson was also credited with the win, as he pitched 4.0 innings while in relief, improving to 3-0 on the season.

Offensively, Gennett led the way with his third 3-for-4 night at the plate in four games, knocking in three runs and scoring two in the process. He also swiped a base. The 21-year-old second basemen also increased his hitting streak to 11 games. Khris Davis, 0-for-2 on the night, ended his 12-game hitting streak.

For Huntsville, their victory on Thursday gave them their fourth win in five games to start off their 10-game homestand. The Stars will welcome the Jackson Generals to town starting Friday, as Huntsville RHP Brandon Williamson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) to the mound to square off against RHP Andrew Carraway (2-0, 2.00 ERA). First pitch is at 6:43 p.m. with a spectacular post-game fireworks show to follow. For tickets and more information, call (256) 882-2562 or visit www.huntsvillestars.com!

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Southern League Stories from April 19, 2012


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