Seven-run second powers BayBears to Opening Day win

MOBILE, Ala. (April 5, 2018) - The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, exploded for seven runs in the second inning and defeated the Pensacola Blue Wahoos 9-4 in the season opener Thursday night in front of 2,504 fans at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Michael Barash opened the scoring with a solo home run, his first at the Double-A level. Brennon Lund , Matt Thaiss , and Taylor Ward drove in runs with three straight two-out singles, and Hutton Moyer crushed a two-run homer. The BayBears (1-0) tallied seven runs on seven hits in the frame, knocking Daniel Wright (0-1) out of the game after just two innings.
Jesus Castillo (1-0) earned the win, allowing just three hits in a five-inning start. Pensacola (0-1) plated a pair of runs in the fourth on a Gavin LaValley single.
The BayBears used a trio of relievers to finish the game. Jake Jewell and Cortland Cox both allowed one run on two hits, and then Justin Anderson retired the side in order with two strikeouts in the ninth to seal the win.
Moyer finished just a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Connor Justus was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate in his Double-A debut.
Mobile has now recorded a victory in 8 of its last 10 season openers, dating back to 2009.
The BayBears continue the five-game home series against Pensacola Friday at 7:05 p.m. CDT. Right-handed pitcher Luis Pena (0-0, -.-- ERA) is scheduled to make the start against righty Keury Mella (0-0, -.-- ERA) for the Blue Wahoos. 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 6:45 p.m. CT.
The BayBears host 70 home dates through Labor Day, September 3. Single-game tickets and ticket packages are currently on sale. Season tickets and 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 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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