Hawkins Homer Guides Barons to 7-3 Win
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BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham Barons outfielder Courtney Hawkins wasted no time making an impact in his return from the disabled list, launching a seventh inning grand slam as part of a Barons 7-3 win over the Jackson Generals in front of 7,399 fans at Regions Field.
Hawkins, the White Sox no. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, was the focal point of Birmingham's late two-out, seven-run rally; depositing a pitch from Jackson pitcher Ryan Horstman over the left field fence for his first home run of the season. He had missed the previous 28 games with an oblique strain.
On the mound, Barons starter David Holmberg tossed 4.2 innings, exiting the game after a 74 minute rain delay. He left the no decision allowing four hits and three earned runs with no walks and three strikeouts.
Kyle Hansen earned his second win of the season once the game resumed, throwing 2.1 scoreless frames and allowing just two hits while striking out five batters. Brian Clark continued his strong start to the season out of the bullpen, lowering his ERA to 0.47 with a pair of scoreless innings to seal the Barons victory.
Birmingham broke onto the scoreboard in the seventh inning, erasing a 3-0 deficit when Keenyn Walker scored on a Horstman wild pitch. Eudy Pina plated Eddy Alvarez for the Barons second run, setting up Hawkins with the bases loaded. Keenyn Walker walked to bring home Nick Basto for the game's final run.
In total, the Barons scored seven two-out runs and sent 13 batters to the plate in the home half of the seventh inning.
LHP Blair Walters makes his second start of the season tomorrow evening at Regions Field, five days following a 10-strikeout performance in his Barons debut against the Montgomery Biscuits.
About the Birmingham Barons
The Birmingham Barons are currently playing a five-game homestand against the Jackson Generals, AA affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, at Regions Field. For further information about the Barons and the 2016 season at Regions Field, please call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.