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Tobs walk-off with a win in exhibition contest

May 31, 2008

Wilson, NC — The fireworks went off beyond the outfield fence at Historic Fleming Stadium just after the fireworks on the field had finally concluded. Zeke Blanton's walk off single with the bases loaded gave the Tobs a 2-1 victory in an exhibition game with the Catawba Valley Stars. The victory, though it will not appear in the Coastal Plain League standings, was the second in a row for the Tobs at home.

For the second consecutive night, a Tobs' starter allowed just one run through nine innings. Unfortunately for right-hander Ryne Mantooth, that was not enough to pick up a victory as the game was locked up after nine. Left-handed reliever Seve Alvarez began the tenth for the Stars against the top of the Tobs' line up. After walking the first three hitters of the inning, Zeke Blanton singled down the left field line past the drawn in infield, scoring center fielder Nick Hogan with the game-winning run. It was Blanton's first hit and RBI in a Tobs uniform.

"Even though it's an exhibition game, it's great to get a win and see everyone contributing," said Tobs' manager Jeff Steele. "We had guys like (Packy) Elkins and Blanton coming off the bench and making an impact. Mantooth followed up in (Tim) Adleman's footsteps by giving us another solid outing over nine."

Wilson's first run came in the second off of Catawba Valley starter Steve Eagerton, who allowed four consecutive singles. The fourth, a bases loaded single by Cam Freeman, plated catcher Chris Henderson. The Tobs however were unable to score another in the inning, despite having the bases full with just one out. Wilson stranded six runners in scoring position throughout the game.

The Stars' lone run came in the fifth off of Mantooth, and it came on one swing. Right fielder Charlie Williams cracked a solo homer to right center. Mantooth then allowed a double to Brandon Hairston, but he was stranded at second. The fifth was the only inning in which the Stars had more than one hitter reach base.

Wilson had a golden opportunity to wrap things up in the eighth and the ninth. Jerry Sands led off the eighth inning with a double, and was sacrificed to third by Blanton. After Henderson was intentionally walked, Matt Sanders lined into a double play at first base, doubling off Henderson. In the ninth, Dan Capeless singled, and was removed for pinch runner Packy Elkins. Elkins then proceeded to steal second and advance on an errant throw by the catcher, Jake Hartley with none out. However, Cam Freeman lifted a fly to right field, and Elkins was thrown out at home plate by Williams from right field.

The Tobs will return to action on Tuesday, June 3rd, as they host the Wilmington Sharks on Breast Cancer Awareness Night at Historic Fleming Stadium, sponsored by Wilmed. For the first time in franchise history, the Tobs will wear pink jerseys in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. The home stand will conclude on Wednesday against Fayetteville on Legends of Tobs Logo Ball Giveaway Night, sponsored by Thomas and Farris. Both games begin at 7:05 PM, and coverage begins on WUBN 106.9 FM and the Coastal Plain League WebPass at 6:45 PM.

The Wilson Tobs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its twelfth season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

Contact:
Eric Kopp
252-291-8627