Barons Drop First Half Finale

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Eddy Alvarez launched his second home run of the season for his second RBI of the game, but Birmingham was unable to overcome an early deficit in an 8-3 loss to the Mississippi Braves at Regions Field.

The Barons finish the first half 29-41, fourth in the Southern League North Division. The Jackson Generals and Pensacola Blue Wahoos won the league's North and South divisions respectively, and have secured playoff spots.

Alvarez started the Barons scoring as well to put Birmingham on the board in the sixth inning, plating Courtney Hawkins. The Miami native's home run gave the Barons their second run as well, and Marcus Lemon scored Adam Engel for Birmingham's third and final run.

Mississippi tagged Barons starter Carson Fulmer for six earned runs, jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the fifth inning and chasing the White Sox prospect from the game. Tyler Barnette allowed two inherited runners to score, but allowed no earned runs of his own to come across in 2.2 innings of work. Brock Huntzinger surrendered a pair of runs in two innings of relief to close the game.

Jake Peter and Eudy Pina will represent Birmingham in the Southern League All-Star Game before Jordan Guerrero takes to the mound June 23 on the road against the Mobile BayBears.

About the Birmingham Barons

The Birmingham Barons start the second half of the Southern League season at Regions Field June 29 against the Biloxi Shuckers. For further information about the Barons and the 2016 season at Regions Field, please call (205) 988-3200, visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons, @bhambarons on Twitter.