Stars Win First Come From Behind Game of Year

By: Conor Shreve

The Huntsville offense experienced no problems operating without the Southern League’s batting leader, coming from behind for a 4-3 win over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx.

The Stars placed a two spot on the scoreboard in the first inning en route to victory. Lorenzo Cain started the inning with a single, extending his hitting streak to 12 games. After swiping a league leading eighth stolen base, the Stars center fielder came home on a single from Zelous Wheeler. Wheeler went 1-3 while hitting fourth in place of Jonathan Lucroy who was called up to AAA Nashville earlier in the day. Following a Taylor Green double, Steffan Wilson connected for his first hit in six tries to bring Wheeler home.

After scoring one in the second inning, West Tennessee took the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Kuo Hui Lo scored first after a leadoff double. With Carlos Peguero on third, Wheeler fielded a ground ball off the bat of Mike Wilson and fired home where Stars catcher Sean McCraw dropped the ball in a collision at the plate. Wheeler was given a throwing error, his fifth of the season.

The Stars spark again came in the form of Cain; in the eighth inning he led off with a triple. 20 year old Brett Lawrie came through with a single next at bat to tie the contest. Caleb Gindl followed with a single to force a pitching change. Robert Rohrbaugh’s entrance didn’t faze Zelous Wheeler who took a five ball walk. Taylor Green grounded home Brett Lawrie on a fielder’s choice for his lone RBI of the night. It was all the Stars bullpen needed; Donovan Hand worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings before departing for Stars closer Brandon Kintzler who allowed one base runner in picking up his fourth save.

The Stars and Diamond Jaxx play early on Wednesday, very early. First pitch at Pringles Park is scheduled for 11:05. The Stars will Send Mark Rogers (0-1 3.12) to face Mauricio Robles (1-0 2.89). The Stars early season schedule is a grueling one, 18 games remain before Huntsville gets their second day off on May 9.