BayBears can't overcome five-run first inning in loss

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (July 10, 2017) - The Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, could not bounce back from an early five-run deficit in a 6-2 loss to the Birmingham Barons Monday night at Regions Field.
Osmer Morales (4-4) gave up five runs on four hits in the first inning, including a three-run homer to Nick Basto. After the first five batters of the game reached base, Morales recorded 18 outs without allowing another hit. He struck out a season-high, and team-high, nine batters, including six in a row between the third and fifth innings.
The BayBears (38-48 overall, 8-9 second half) loaded the bases with no outs in the third inning, and Sherman Johnson delivered with a two-run single. Wade Wass followed with another base hit, but Zach Houchins was thrown out at the plate trying to score. Jordan Guerrero (6-7) induced a double player to escape the inning and limit the damage.
Guerrero departed after five innings, but the Barons (33-54, 7-11) bullpen held the BayBears to just one hit over the final four frames. Connor Walsh, Jace Fry, and Robinson Leyer combined to keep Mobile off the board and seal the victory for Birmingham.
The BayBears continue the four-game road series against Birmingham Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. CT. Right-handed pitcher Grayson Long (3-5, 3.22 ERA) is slated to make the start against righty Spencer Adams (7-7, 3.81 ERA) for the Barons. Live coverage can be seen on MiLB.tv (Birmingham feed, 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 return home Wednesday, July 19, and 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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