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Mantooth sharp, but Tobs fall 1-0 to first place RedWolves

June 6, 2008

Florence, SC — Starter Ryne Mantooth, making his Coastal Plain League debut, gave the Tobs exactly what they had hoped for: eight innings of one-run ball. Unfortunately, Mantooth's record dropped to 0-1 after the game as the Tobs were unable to convert with runners in scoring position all night, losing 1-0 to the Florence RedWolves. Florence is now 5-1, and the Tobs have lost three straight, putting their record at 2-4. It is the sixth consecutive Tobs game that has been determined by just one run.

Ryne Mantooth and Florence starter Rob Kumbatovic were both outstanding, and the fans at American Legion Park wondered which heavyweight would falter first. In the sixth inning, when the Tobs loaded the bases with no one out, it appeared that it would be Kumbatovic. Instead, Matt Sanders grounded into a fielder's choice out at home plate, and Justin Parks was retired on a double play ground ball to keep the Tobs off the scoreboard.

Mantooth was un-hittable through the first seven innings, allowing just one hit and one walk. But with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, fate took its turn. A fastball from Mantooth grazed the jersey of shortstop Justin Beal. Cody Stinger was called on to pinch hit by Wes Davis, and he came through with a single, putting runners at first and third with two outs. Center fielder Jamie Walczak was the hitting hero, ripping an RBI single to left field, accounting for the only run of the ball game.

Kumbatovic retired the final seven hitters he faced, and the Tobs only had one base runner after passing up a huge opportunity to score in the sixth. Kumbatovic finished with a complete game shut out, allowing eight hits while walking one and striking out four. Mantooth was just as solid on the hill, tossing eight innings while giving up just three hits, one walk, and striking out ten. The Tobs are now 0-3 in games away from Historic Fleming Stadium.

Wilson will try to salvage a victory in the final contest of its three day road trip as the Tobs head back to Columbia on Saturday night to take on the Blowfish, who defeated the Tobs 10-9 on Thursday night. Jeff Steele will call on right hander Zach Woodley, out of Pitt Community College, to follow in the steps of Mantooth with another solid start. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM in Columbia with radio coverage beginning at 6:45 PM on WUBN 106.9 FM.

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