Stars Romp, 9-0

April 15, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Orlando, FL – With an overworked bullpen after Monday's 15-inning loss to the Rays, Huntsville was in desperate need of a quality start. The Stars called on Derek Lee, a veteran of five seasons in Huntsville, to make a spot start for Ben Hendrickson, who missed a turn with forearm soreness. Lee more than answered the call. Behind six shutout innings from Lee, the Stars routed Orlando, 9-0, on Tuesday night at Cracker Jack Stadium.

Lee was typically efficient, requiring just 78 pitches to navigate six frames, permitting only two runners past first base. Lee allowed but four singles and one walk while fanning two and departed with Huntsville leading, 9-0. He set the tone for the game by retiring the first seven batters he faced.

The Stars wasted little time staking Lee to a lead, scoring on Richard Paz's bases-loaded walk in the first, then adding four in the second. Ryan Knox drove in one with a fielder's choice ground ball, and J.J. Hardy doubled in a run. After Dave Krynzel scored on a wild pitch, Brandon Gemoll tripled in another run for a 5-0 advantage that was more than enough for Lee.

Lee (2-0) picked up his second win of the season, and Matt Parker notched his first save with three scoreless innings, giving up one hit and striking out three. Jon Switzer (1-1) suffered the loss, surrendering eight runs on eight hits and six walks in 3 1/3 innings.

Krynzel bounced back from his 0-for-7 Monday to lead Huntsville with three singles, a walk and two runs scored. Hardy had his 10-game hitting streak snapped the night before, and he rebounded with a double, single, two walks, two runs batted in and three runs scored. Paz had two hits, two RBIs and a pair of walks, and Mike Kremblas doubled and scored a run. Knox singled, walked, stole a base and scored twice.

Huntsville (6-6) returned to .500 on the season and remained 1 ½ games behind first-place West Tennessee in the Southern League West. The Stars pitching staff has recorded three shutouts in five games on the current road trip.

"What can you say about Derek Lee," Stars pitching coach Stan Kyles said. "He was absolutely marvelous. To give us six innings was one thing, but to win the game the way he did, that was something. He's a professional. You can't say enough about him.

The Stars and Rays resume their series Wednesday night in Orlando, when Luis Martinez (1-0, 0.00) meets the Rays' Brian Stokes (0-1, 0.96). Game time is 6:05 p.m. CST. Listen to the Stars on Jammin' 1550, ESPN 1450 and at www.huntsvillestars.com. Broadcast time is 5:50 p.m. CST.



Southern League Stories from April 15, 2003


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