Stars Win in 11, 8-5

Published on May 12, 2004 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Mobile, AL – Huntsville let another late lead slip away, but for the second time on their current road trip, the Stars proved resilient in extra innings. After watching Mobile hit two solo homers to erase a 5-3 deficit, Huntsville scored three in the 11th for a dramatic 8-5 win on Tuesday night at Hank Aaron Stadium. For the first time since games on April 24 and 26, Huntsville (17-15) posted consecutive victories to claim sole possession of second place in the Southern League West, one-half game behind West Tenn.

Jason Belcher set the early tone with a two-run, first-inning double. The Bay Bears (16-16) rallied for a 3-2 lead, but Huntsville pushed back in front with a three-run third on Brad Nelson's solo homerun and Johnny Raburn's two-run single. Solo homers by Jesse Roman in the eighth and Todd Donovan in the ninth tied the game and set the stage for the Stars' 11th-inning rally.

Pinch-hitter Enrique Cruz led off with a walk and Rickie Weeks drew a base on balls. Tony Gwynn, Jr.'s ground ball forced out Weeks at second. With runners at first and third, Prince Fielder hit a high chopper back to the mound, and Cruz broke for the plate. Pitcher Alan Webb leapt to field the ball, but his throw home was high, and Cruz slid in with the go-ahead run. After Webb plunked Nelson to load the bases, Belcher's bouncer to short forced out Gwynn at the plate. Kade Johnson, 0-for-5 with four strikeouts as he stepped to the plate, delivered the big blow, ripping a 3-0 pitch into left for a two-run single and an 8-5 advantage.

Paul Stewart (2-0) picked up his second win, permitting one run on Donovan's homer over 2 1/3 innings. Webb (0-1) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs on one hit, two walks and one hit batter in one inning. John Novinsky appeared for the first time since April 30 after rehabbing from elbow soreness, picking up his first save while allowing two hits and fanning one in a scoreless 11th.

Game three of the series matches Huntsville righty Dennis Sarfate (1-2, 5.87) against Bears righty Steve Watkins (1-2, 6.03) on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Hank Aaron Stadium. The FPH Financial Pre-game show begins at 6:50 p.m. Stars baseball can be heard on ESPN 1450 and at www.huntsvillestars.com.

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Southern League Stories from May 12, 2004


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