HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Brock Kjeldgaard’s three-run homer in the third inning provided the Huntsville Stars all the runs they would need in a 3-1 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Thursday night.
The Stars (19-21) took the five-game series with the Lookouts three games to two and climbed into a third-place tie in the Southern League North second-half standings with the Birmingham Barons and Tennessee Smokies.
First-place Chattanooga (23-17) still has a game-and-a-half lead over the Jackson Generals.
The Stars’ pivotal third inning was set up by Lee Haydel’s one-out single and Jean Segura’s walk. After Scooter Gennett struck out, Kjeldgaard delivered with his homer to right field.
The Lookouts scored their run in the fifth, a wild inning that saw leadoff hitter Rafael Ynoa ejected by home plate umpire Brent Rice after Ynoa struck out swinging.
After Ynoa was tossed, Nick Buss and Blake Smith walked to load the bases. Matt Wallach had walked to lead off the inning. The Lookouts scored when yet another batter, J.T. Wise, drew a walk. The inning ended with C.J. Retherford’s line drive out to shortstop Segura.
R.J. Seidel (1-2), the third pitcher used by the Stars, pitched 1.1 innings and earned the win. Brandon Kintzler came on in the ninth for his seventh save.
Chattanooga starter Chris Reed (0-2) took the loss. He went four innings and allowed three hits and all three runs. He struck out five.
The Lookouts return to Chattanooga on Friday for a five-game home stand against the Mississippi Braves.