Stevens' walk-off homer sends Braves to victory

PEARL, MS-Bobby Stevens blasted a two-run pinch-hit walk-off homer in the bottom of the 13th inning to claim a 3-1 victory over the Huntsville Stars Wednesday night. With the win, the Mississippi Braves claim the series, notching its fifth series win of the season at Trustmark Park.

The last walk-off home run for the M-Braves occurred on August 30, 2008, when Kala Ka'aihue launched a solo homer to lift the Braves to a 6-5 victory over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (currently the Jackson Generals) at Trustmark Park. The last pinch-hit home run for the M-Braves came off the bat of Greg Creek on August 4, 2008, also against the Huntsville Stars.

Joe Leonard reached on an error by the shortstop, Domnit Bolivar, before Stevens' no-doubter off the top of the Long Electric Picnic Pavilion. It was Stevens' first long ball with the M-Braves (27-32, 57-72) this season. Mississippi plated three runs on 11 hits while Huntsville (27-32, 62-67) scored its lone run on six hits.

The Stars struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth. Bolivar singled, stole second, and took third on an errant throw by the catcher. He then came in to score on Andy Gonzalez's sacrifice fly to right field.

Phil Gosselin walked and took second on a wild pitch. Todd Cunningham singled to put runners at the corners with two outs before Keenan Wiley delivered a RBI-single to left field, tying the game at 1-1 in the fifth.

The M-Braves loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the 12th, but could not get the run in as Joey Terdoslavich lined out sharply to first base.

Billy Bullock (1-2) worked two frame to pick up his first win with the M-Braves this season. He walked two and struck out three. Philippe Valiquette (0-1) surrendered the loss, giving up two runs and one earned run on one hit, a homer.

Neither starter factored in the decision. Gary Moran limited the Stars to one unearned run on three hits while striking out eight in seven innings of work. Evan Anundsen went just four and two-thirds innings, giving up one earned run on four hits and two walks. He struck out five batters.

In Thursday night's series finale, M-Braves right-hander Zeke Spruill (8-11, 3.71) takes on Stars righty Jimmy Nelson (1-3, 4.05). Gates open at 4:30 PM for the Home Run for Mustard Seed Charity Softball Game, which takes place from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. First pitch for the M-Braves is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Huntsville Stars (27-32, 62-67): 1 R 6 H 1 E
Mississippi Braves (27-32, 57-72): 3 R 11 H 1 E

W: Billy Bullock (1-2)
L: Philippe Valiquette (0-1)

Time: 3:57
Attendance: 1,179