BayBears plate six in first, hit four homers in game

MOBILE, Ala. (June 23, 2018) - The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, used a six-run first inning and four home runs in the game to pummel the Tennessee Smokies 14-4 Saturday night at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Zach Houchins hit the first two long balls, a three-run shot in the first and a solo homer in the third. Jose Rojas went deep in the fourth and sixth, driving in five runs. Rojas has gone 5-for-7 with nine RBIs since returning from Triple-A Salt Lake.
The BayBears (39-32 overall, 2-1 second half) scored runs in six of eight innings at the plate. The six-run first inning erased an early 1-0 deficit. Jose Rodriguez (6-7) earned the win, giving up three runs on seven hits in a five-inning start.
Cullman, Ala., native and Auburn product Keegan Thompson (0-1) was tagged for eight runs on nine hits in his Double-A debut. He lasted just three innings and took the loss for the Smokies (37-36, 0-1).
The BayBears continue the six-game home series against Tennessee Sunday at 5:05 p.m. CDT. Right-handed pitcher Jesus Castillo (4-4, 4.94 ERA) is scheduled to make the start against righty Matt Swarmer (0-0, 4.09 ERA) for the Smokies. Live coverage can be seen on MiLB.tv (subscription required, promo code: BAYBEARS) and heard on the BayBears Broadcast Network, the TuneIn Radio App, and the MiLB First Pitch App, with the Countdown to First Pitch starting at 4:45 p.m.
The BayBears host a total of 70 home dates through Labor Day, September 3. Single-game tickets and ticket packages are currently on sale. Group and hospitality offerings for the 2018 season can be reserved by calling (251) 479-BEAR (2327).
 
About the Mobile BayBears
The Mobile BayBears are the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels and play their games at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Ala. The BayBears were founded in 1997 and have won four Southern League titles in 1998, 2004, 2011, and 2012. Additionally, the 1998 and 2011 championship squads were named Minor League Team of the Year by Baseball America. More than 160 former BayBears have reached the Major League level, including All-Stars Max Scherzer, Paul Goldschmidt, Jake Peavy, Carlos González, and Justin Upton. For more information on the Mobile BayBears and Hank Aaron Stadium, please visit MobileBayBears.com, call (251) 479-BEAR (2327), or contact Steve Goldberg via email at [email protected].
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