SL1 Birmingham Barons

Wild Finish Sends Barons to Eighth Straight Win at Home

Published on July 7, 2019 under Southern League (SL1)
Birmingham Barons News Release


BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A wild pitch scooted down the third-base line, which allowed a pair of runs to score, as the Birmingham Barons (13-5, 40-47) topped the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (9-9, 47-41) by a 6-5 final Sunday afternoon at Regions Field.

The win marked the Barons' eighth consecutive victory at home, which represents their longest such streak since Birmingham won 10 straight from April 22 - May 12, 2013. It also marked Birmingham's third walk-off win of the series and its sixth of the 2019 season.

Pensacola grabbed an early 1-0 lead before Gavin Sheets leveled the score with his team-leading 11th home run of the season in the fourth inning. Sheets, whom MLB Pipeline ranks as the No. 17 prospect in the White Sox organization, extended his on-base streak to 25 games. The 25-game stretch is Birmingham's longest since Eddy Alvarez reached base in 29 consecutive contests between June 15 - July 22, 2017.

The Blue Wahoos regained the lead in the fifth before the Barons responded with a three-run sixth to take a 4-2 advantage.

Joel Booker, who delivered a walk-off single Saturday night, led off the frame with a single through the left side. Rutherford followed with a single to set the table for Sheets' second hit of the game - an RBI-double to tie the game once more.

Barons newcomer Damek Tomscha gave Birmingham its first lead of the game when he sent a run-scoring single up the middle and the third run of the inning came across to score via a fielder's choice.

Pensacola fought back in the top of the ninth, however, and plated a run pair of runs against Barons right-hander Codi Heuer to send the game to extra innings. The Blue Wahoos then took the lead in the 10th with an RBI-double off the bat of Lewin Diaz.

Down to the final out with Ti'Quan Forbes at the plate, a 2-1 offering from Blue Wahoos right-hander Zack Weiss (L, 1-2) kicked toward the third-base dugout. Booker crossed the plate with ease as the game-tying run and Rutherford scampered home and slide in safely with the winning run.

Southpaw Hunter Schryver (W, 3-1) earned the win for the Birmingham in relief. Starter Lincoln Henzman settled for a no-decision after the right-hander allowed two runs on six hits across a season-high seven innings of work.

The Barons and Blue Wahoos will continue their six-game set Monday as Birmingham sends left-hander Matt Tomshaw (3-4, 3.29) to the mound against Pensacola right-hander Jorge Alcala (5-5, 5.81).

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT at Regions Field and the game will be broadcast via WJQX-FM 100.5. Coverage will begin at 6:50 p.m. with the Coca-Cola Pregame Show.

Check out the Birmingham Barons Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Southern League Stories from July 7, 2019


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central