Stars Shut Out Jaxx, 1-0

June 14, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Huntsville, AL - On Saturday night, the Southern League West first-half champs showed what carried them to the title. Huntsville's unparalleled pitching was impeccable in a game that offered no margin for error. The Stars (39-27) won their third straight with 1-0 shutout of West Tenn (33-35) in front of 5017 fans at Joe Davis Stadium.

While Diamond Jaxx right-hander Angel Guzman shackled Huntsville through seven outstanding innings, Stars righty Pedro Liriano went about the business of ending his personal three-game losing streak. Through the first 5 2/3 innings, Liriano (5-7) allowed just one runner past first base, fanning five and surrendering only two hits and four walks. Up 1-0 with two outs in the sixth, Liriano gave up a ringing double to John Powers, the West Tenn's third and final hit of the game.

Stars pitching coach Stan Kyles strode to the mound, and after talking with Liriano, called for reliever Ken Ray to face Jason Dubois, West Tenn's best hitter. Ray walked Dubois on five pitches, then he retired Jose Velazquez on a ground ball to second to end the threat.

The game's lone run came in fifth, when Daryl Clark faced Guzman with the bases empty and two down. Guzman hung his first pitch to Clark, who launched a solo homerun deep to right, his first since joining the Stars. Clark hit 12 for High Desert in the California League before his promotion to Huntsville in early May.

Ray and closer Mike Adams locked up Liriano's fifth victory, combining for 3 1/3 scoreless frames. After recording the final out of the sixth, Ray was nearly spotless in the seventh and eighth, retiring six of seven, giving up one walk and fanning one. Adams threw a perfect ninth, striking out one for his ninth save. Guzman (2-3) suffered a tough loss, allowing but one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts.

Huntsville and West Tenn resume their four-game series Sunday at Joe Davis Stadium. Stars lefty Derek Lee (8-2, 3.34) meets Jaxx right-hander Travis Anderson (2-2, 4.06) in game three. Game time is 2:05 p.m.



Southern League Stories from June 14, 2003


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