Stars Still in First Place

Published on May 9, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


The Huntsville Stars remain in first place after sweeping a doubleheader from the Chattanooga Lookouts last night. The Stars hold a three game lead on West Tenn going into the final game of the Chattanooga series tonight with 5-0 and 6-2 wins.

Pedro Liriano pitched shutout ball in Game One while Corey Hart drove in two runs and Ryan Knox added a solo homer to provide enough offense. Game Two saw Derek Lee give another solid performance, allowing only one run as the Stars scored all six runs in the sixth inning with the aid of two Lookouts errors.

The Stars return home Saturday night to host the new AA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Tennessee Smokies. The Smokies have some familiar faces on their roster including former Stars 1st Baseman Bucky Jacobsen and former Major Leaguer Rick Ankiel.

Stars Among League Leaders

A myriad of Huntsville Stars are among Southern League leaders in the early going this season. Three Stars hurlers are in the Top 10 in pitching including league leader Luis Martinez with a sparkling 0.86 ERA. His 49 K's are good for second best in the league. Ben Diggins and Derek Lee are seventh and eighth best with respective ERA's of 2.27 and 2.33. This combinations has helped the Stars to a league best ERA of 2.83.

On the offensive side, Corey Hart is second in the league with 31 RBI's including nine in his last three games. JJ Hardy is eighth in batting with a .329 average. Hardy has been sidelined recently with a strained hip flexor, but is expected to return at anytime. He is also among the league leaders in On Base Percentage (4th) and Slugging Percentage (4th).

Speedsters Ryan Knox and Dave Krynzel have each swiped 10 bases, good for second in the league. Krynzel leads the league with three triples and Knox is fourth with 23 Runs Scored.

Upcoming Promotions

The Stars return home tomorrow night to kick off an incredible string of promotions at the Joe. Saturday is Woody Anderson Ford Mini Bat Giveaway to the first 1000 fans and Sunday is the Mother's Day Diamond Dig presented by Sabghi's Jewelers.

After a 10 day road trip the Stars return again on May 23rd as Saturn presents the next installment of Fireworks Friday followed by Budweiser Tote Bag Giveaway on May 24th and a postgame concert on May 25th featuring 7-time Dove Award Nominees Out of Eden. The Stars round out the homestand with a 12:05 pm matinee on Memorial Day: what better place to cook out than with the first place Stars!

For ticket, group or picnic information call the Stars office at 256.882.2562 or visit us online at www.huntsvillestars.com.

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Southern League Stories from May 9, 2003


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