Stars make six errors in loss to BayBears

The Mobile BayBears (27-25) got two runs in the first inning and never looked back as they knocked off the Huntsville Stars (25-29) by a final score of 7-4 Thursday night.

Huntsville made six errors in the contest, but only one of the seven Mobile runs was unearned.

Stars’ starting pitcher Chris Cody has had issues with the long ball all season, and nothing much changed tonight as Evan Frey crushed a solo shot with one away in the first. After Kory Casto walked, Huntsville continued their recent issues on defense as a pick-off attempt went awry as the ball bounced off the glove of Drew Anderson and Casto advanced to second base. With two down, Bryan Byrne singled home Casto and Mobile had a 2-0 edge.

After the rough start, Cody (2-6) settled down and pitched really well, going five innings scattering six hits while surrendering only the two runs, one of which was earned. He walked two and struck-out four in the losing effort.

The BayBears tacked on a run in the top of the sixth against Stars’ reliever Mark Willinsky. Jake Wald singled home Taylor Harbin in the frame, but Willinsky was able to get out of the inning without any more runs scoring.

The Stars finally got to BayBears’ starter Joshua Collmenter (3-0) in the bottom half of the frame thanks to a Brett Lawrie solo homer.

Down 3-1, the Stars’ bullpen couldn’t keep the game close as Mobile scored two in the seventh. The Stars responded with a sacrifice fly from Taylor Green in the seventh, but the BayBears tacked on two more off reliever Nick Green in the bottom half of the frame.

Down 7-2, the Stars made a nice attempt at a rally in the bottom of the ninth. Cain reached on an error and Caleb Gindl doubled him home for his team-leading 30th RBI of the year. Zelous Wheeler singled to put two on with nobody out. After Drew Anderson hit into a force-out, Taylor Green continued his hot hitting with a RBI single to drive in Gindl and make the score 7-4. But Lee Haydel and Sean McCraw both grounded out to end the game.

Huntsville will look to take the finale of the five game set Friday night at 7pm. Josh Butler (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will be on the mound for the Stars. You can hear all the action on the Huntsville Stars Radio Network and www.huntsvillestars.com.