Shirek Stymies Mobile, 7-1

Mobile, AL - Charlie Shirek allowed one earned run over seven innings pitched with six strikeouts as the Birmingham Baron (2-2) stymied the Mobile BayBears (2-2), 7-1, and tied the Southern League's Southern Divisional Series following Game Four's victory in front of 1,137 fans Sunday afternoon at Mobile's Hank Aaron Stadium.

Birmingham captured an early 2-0 advantage in the top of the first inning when Tyler Kuhn laced a leadoff single and scored on Brandon Short's RBI double to center field. Following a groundout that bumped Short to third base, Jon Gilmore lifted a sacrifice fly that drove in Short.

The Barons added to their lead in the top of the second inning after an Alden Carrithers' single was sandwiched between walks to Jake Oester and Kuhn. With the sacks packed, Short cleared the bases with a three-run triple to left-center field. Christian Marrero added a sacrifice fly that delivered Short as the Barons claimed a six-run edge, 6-0.

In the top of the third inning, Birmingham added a run after Jose Martinez drew a one-out walk and Carrithers lined a two-out, RBI triple down the right field line, 7-0.

Mobile tacked on its first run, 7-1, in the bottom of the third inning when Adam Eaton, Daryle Ward and Ryan Wheeler each singled for Taylor Harbin, who lined a RBI single to center field that plated Eaton.

Shirek (1-0) earned the victory for the Barons as the righty threw 7.0 IP with one earned run on 8 hits, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts.

Trevor Bauer (0-1) suffered the defeat for the BayBears as the right-hander surrendered seven earned runs on 7 hits, 3 walks and 2 strikeouts in 3.0 IP.

The Barons and BayBears will play a decisive Game Five of the Southern League's Southern Divisional Series Monday night, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. at Mobile's Hank Aaron Stadium. Birmingham will send left-handed pitcher Justin Edwards (0-0, N/A) while the BayBears counter with right-hander Charles Brewer (0-0, N/A).

Birmingham Barons tickets are currently available on the web, over the phone or by visiting the Regions Park Box Office. For ticket information, game schedule, or promotions calendar, call (205) 988-3200 or visit www.barons.com, www.facebook.com/birminghambarons or on Twitter: @bhambarons.