Disciples of Uecker

Despite 11 total walks, five Huntsville Stars combined for a no-hitter in a 3-1 win over the Dodger-affiliated Chattanooga Lookouts.

Jimmy Nelson, working his way back from shoulder fatigue, worked the first four innings of the game, walking four and striking out four. He was replaced by Dan Merklinger to start the 5th inning for pitch count reasons. Merklinger was only able to make it through 2/3 of an inning, walking four. He was pulled in favor of La Crosse native R.J. Seidel after walking in the lone Chattanooga run. Seidel got out of the jam, but walked two more in the 6th inning. Darren Byrd picked up the 7th and 8th innings, walking another batter. Brandon Kintzler was the only Star to not walk a batter, pitching a perfect 9th inning for his 7th save, securing the no-hitter.

Pretty cool being part of a no hitter twitter.com/Jimmy_J_Nelson…

— Jimmy Nelson (@Jimmy_J_Nelson) August 3, 2012

All the scoring from the Stars came on one swing by Brock Kjeldgaard, who hit a three-run home run off 2011 first-round pick Chris Reed with two out in the third inning.

The no-hitter comes a night after Johnny Hellweg’s Brewers system debut, striking out seven and only allowing one hit in five innings. Earlier this year, Tyler Thornburg took a perfect game into the 8th inning while pitching for Huntsville. Add in other new additions Jean Segura and Ariel Pena, plus Scooter Gennett and Hunter Morris, and it’s a really fun time to follow the Brewers’ Double-A affiliate.