Stars Offense Breaks Loose in 6-2 Win
July 16, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release
Mobile, AL â Baseball is a delightfully quirky game, blessed with a bevy of bizarre statistics, predicated on a book of idiosyncratic rules, both written and unwritten. Equally influential, a dizzying array of superstitions rule the diamond and its combatants, from former Red Sox star Wade Boggs' chicken fetish to Huntsville Star Dave Krynzel's high socks, because they make him faster. Subtle changes blossom into the unexpected, like a beloved t-shirt, tattered and 10 years old, still worn under the uniform night after night, or the unseemly, like a dreadfully expansive "five o'clock shadow.
Occasionally a wide-eyed announcer joins in, boldly donning shorts in the booth for the first time all season, hoping to end the team's recent paucity of offense, and predicting a six-run outburst for the Stars. Amazingly, it worked, and shorts will be worn again. On Tuesday night at Hank Aaron Stadium, Huntsville erupted for 12 hits and six runs, defeating the Bay Bears, 6-2, to even the series at a game apiece. The Stars (12-10) moved within one-half game of first place in the Southern League West.
"I shouldn't talk about it too much," Stars broadcaster Robert Portnoy said, tongue firmly in cheek. "It might not work again tomorrow.
J.J. Hardy paced the Stars, going 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Corey Hart continued to climb out of his slump after doubling the night before, this night slamming a monster two-run homer, his ninth of the season. Brandon Gemoll lashed two doubles and a single, finishing 3-for-4 and scoring two runs. Noochie Varner went 2-for-3, singling and driving in two runs. Darryl Clark ripped a run-scoring double to right, and pitcher Doug Davis drove in his first run in an eight-year professional career.
Davis â a former Toronto Blue Jay signed by Milwaukee and assigned to the Stars for one start before heading to triple-A Indianapolis â picked up the win, allowing five hits and two runs with three walks and six strikeouts in six innings. Duncan McAdoo suffered the loss, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks while fanning four over six frames. Matt Childers notched his seventh save, giving up just three hits and no walks with one strikeout in three innings.
Game three Wednesday night features Stars right-hander Pedro Liriano (5-10, 3.08) against Bears lefty Roger Deago (6-5, 3.95). Game time is 7:05 p.m. The Bill Penney Toyota Pre-Game Show starts at 6:50 p.m. Stars baseball can be heard on Jammin' 1550 WLOR, ESPN 1450 WTKI and at www.huntsvillestars.com.
Southern League Stories from July 16, 2003
- Suns Down Rays 4-1 - Orlando Rays
- V-Rod's hit boosts Suns - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Stocks Wins Fourth Straight - Knoxville Smokies
- Smokies Headed To Prime Time - Knoxville Smokies
- Rays' Gaudin tosses perfect game - SL1
- Stars Offense Breaks Loose in 6-2 Win - Huntsville Stars
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