For the second consecutive year, the Birmingham Barons are heading to the playoffs, taking the second-half North Division Title with a 6-2 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts before 4,528 fans at AT&T Field on Saturday night. The Barons will host Chattanooga on Tuesday, September 16 at Regions Field for Game One.
In this road win, starting pitcher Mark McCullough pitched four innings, allowing two hits, one earned run, and no walks, with three strikeouts in the no-decision. Relief pitcher Jake Palisch (8-3, 2.21) earns the win, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing only three hits, one earned run, and one walk, with two strikeouts. Caleb Freeman earns his second save of the season, pitching 1.1 innings and striking out four batters.
The Barons scored first in the game in the top of the fourth inning. Jacob Burke hit a ground ball single to left field, scoring William Bergolla, and the Barons led 1-0. Wilfred Veras hit into a fielder’s choice, and on a throwing error, Sam Antonacci scored, and the Barons led 2-0. Ryan Galanie hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Burke, and the Barons led 3-0…