Early run support helps BayBears top Smokies

MOBILE, Ala. (June 24, 2017) - The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, plated runs in each of the first four innings and defeated the Tennessee Smokies 9-4 Saturday night at Hank Aaron Stadium.
The third and fourth hitters in the batting order provided a surge for the BayBears (33-39 overall, 3-0 second half) offense. Zach Houchins went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI. David Fletcher reached base in all five plate appearances. He went 1-for-1 with four walks, including one with the bases loaded, and three runs scored.
After briefly falling behind 2-1 following an Ian Rice two-run homer in the second, the BayBears took the lead back for good in the bottom of the frame. Jared Walsh hit his first Double-A home run, a two-run blast to right-center field. Walsh finished the night 3-for-4 at the plate.
Despite exiting the game with an 8-4 lead, Osmer Morales lasted just four innings and did not qualify for the win. Justin Anderson (2-2), Jeremy Rhoades , Michael Dimock, and Adam Hofacket combined to hold Tennessee (36-36, 0-3) scoreless in five innings of relief. In his first outing since coming off the disabled list, Dimock struck out the side in the eighth inning.
Trevor Clifton (5-4) allowed a career-high eight runs on a season-high eight hits in four innings pitched. It was his shortest outing of the season and the first time in his last 21 starts that he did not complete at least five innings.
The BayBears continue the five-game home series against Tennessee Sunday at 5:05 p.m. CT. 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. CT.
The BayBears host a total of 70 home dates through Labor Day, September 4. Single-game tickets and ticket packages are currently on sale. Season tickets and group and hospitality offerings for the 2017 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 of Anaheim and play their games at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. 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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