Stern Powers Huntsville to Comeback Win

Published on June 28, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Huntsville Stars News Release


Adam Stern belted the game-winning home run with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to lift Huntsville past Tennessee 3-2 Sunday evening in a rain delayed, rain interrupted game at Smokies Park. The Stars improved to 5-2 in the second half and 43-33 overall, while the Smokies fell to 3-4 in the second half and 35-42 overall. The Stars have won eight straight games in Sevierville and lead the season series 8-3.

Jonathan Lucroy and Kevin Melillo opened the eighth inning with singles against Todd Blackford before Vinny Rottino lined out to third baseman Marquez Smith, who doubled off Lurcoy at second base. Tennessee catcher Mark Reed committed two passed balls that allowed Melillo to advance to third from where he scored to tie the game on a single by Michael Garciaparra, who picked up his first hit since rejoining the team. Blackford was charged with the unearned run on four hits over three innings behind starter Marcos Mateo.

Jake Muyco took over in the ninth and struck out the first two hitters he faced before Stern walloped his first offering over the wall in right field for his second homer of the game and third of the season. RobWooten came on to throw a scoreless bottom of the ninth to preserve the one-run win and earn his first save at the double-A level. Zach Braddock set down all six hitters he faced to earn his first double-A win.

The game was delayed 36 minutes at the start and once it began, Stern belted Mateo's fourth pitch for a home run to right field to give the Stars the early lead. Shane Justis singled and moved to third base on a one-out double by Melillo but the visitors could not add to their lead, as Vinny Rottino popped out and Garciaparra struck out. The Stars stranded a runner in scoring position in each of the first four innings against Mateo, who allowed a run on five hits over five frames.

Donovan Hand kept the Smokies hitless through four innings and had set down 11 in a row before Doug Deeds and Tyler Colvin singled to start the fifth. Jonathan Mota advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt before play was halted due to heavy rain with Hand having thrown a first pitch strike to Blake Lalli. Action was resumed 44 minutes later and the Stars elected to walk Lalli to load the bases. The strategy paid off initially when Reed skied out to shallow right field for the second out but was spoiled when pinch-hitter Ty Wright doubled into left field on the first pitch he saw to plate Deeds and Colvin to give the home side a 2-1 lead. Hand finished six innings, giving up three hits, walking one and fanning two in his sixth start of the season.

The series continues Monday evening with left-hander David Welch starting for Huntsville against Tennessee right-hander Casey Coleman. Coverage of the game begins at 6:00 pm central time and can be heard through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com.

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Southern League Stories from June 28, 2009


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