Huntsville, AL --- Embarking on a critical five-game series at first-place Huntsville, the Carolina Mudcats outlasted the Stars 3-2 in 12 innings at Joe Davis Stadium on Thursday night.

John Raynor hit a sacrifice fly in the 12th to score pinch-hitter Andy Jenkins from third base as Carolina (23-18) snapped the Stars' (29-12) six-game winning streak.

Carolina moved to within six games of the Stars for the Northern Division lead with 29 remaining in the first half. The five-game series represents the only series between the two teams in the first half, with the Mudcats and Stars meeting 10 times in the second.

Carolina trailed the Stars 2-0 entering the eighth when Gaby Sanchez smoked a two-run double against the left field wall with two outs to tie the game. Jesus Delgado pitched four scoreless innings in relief of Ryan Tucker to push the game into extra innings.

Huntsville took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a throwing error by Ryan Tucker on a bunt by Michael Brantley. Tucker's throw was well over the head of Sanchez at first base to allow starting pitcher Steve Hammond to score from second base. The Stars pushed the lead to 2-0 in the sixth against Tucker on a single by Angel Salome with two outs.

Carolina managed nine hits in the game, with Sanchez extending his hitting streak to 11 games. Chris Mobley (W, 2-0) notched the win with a scoreless 11th inning, with Carlos Martinez (S, 1) earning his first save.

Tucker, who entered the game with the league's second-best ERA (0.97), worked six innings, allowing seven hits and two runs (one earned), fanning four. Tucker's ERA nudged to 1.03.

Chris Volstad (3-1, 2.58) starts the series' second game Friday night at 8:05 PM ET against Derek Miller (4-1, 2.59).