BayBears Win In 15

By Randy Patrick Sports

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Published: Mon, July 07, 2008 - 10:03 pm
Last Updated: Mon, July 07, 2008 - 10:05 pm

Randy Patrick

Bryan Byrne’s walk-off home run provided all the necessary drama in one of the most bizarre games in Mobile BayBears history as they earned a series split with the Jacksonville Suns by a 4-3 score in 15 innings.

Byrne’s blast came off Aldolfo Gonzalez (0-2), who played the first 13 frames at second base and collected four hits. Orlando Mercado (1-0) contributed even more hilarity as he pitched for the first time in his pro career while working a scoreless 15th. Mercado spent the first 14 innings of the contest catching for four BayBear pitchers including Hector Ambriz, who allowed only two runs in 6.2 innings to start the contest.

Top Dodgers prospect Clayton Kershaw made his first Double-A start since being optioned down from L.A. Kershaw worked six innings while giving up three runs on four hits with four strikeouts. All three BayBear runs off him scored in the second when a Brandon Burgess infield hit, a wild pitch and an error brought the BayBears (37-53, 8-12) a 3-0 lead.

Jacksonville (43-47, 10-10) chipped away with runs in the fifth, seventh and eighth innings, but the Suns left an astounding 20 men on base, unable to come up with any big hits over their last several chances. The Suns have left at least two men on in seven innings and the bases loaded three times.

Cesar Valdez (0-1, 2.79) makes the start for the BayBears on Tuesday night as they begin a five-game series with the Montgomery Biscuits at Riverwalk Stadium. The BayBears return to “The Hank” on Wednesday, July 16 to host the Chattanooga Lookouts at 7:05 p.m. Call for tickets at (251) 479-BEAR or log on to www.mobilebaybears.com.

BEAR CLAWS
• Monday’s game lasted 4 hours, 30 minutes and was the longest played by the BayBears this season.
• Every BayBear pitcher walked at least one hitter except for Mercado, who also struck out SL All-Star Jamie Hoffmann.
• Every position player was used in the ballgame and Jacksonville relief pitcher Travis Schlichting spent two innings playing first base.

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