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Wilmington hands Wilson its second straight home loss

June 8, 2008

Wilson, NC — The team was happy to be home, and the fans at Historic Fleming Stadium were happy to have their boys back on a hot, humid Sunday evening. The end result, however, was not the one that Wilson was looking for. Wilmington handed the Tobs it second straight home loss, and fourth out of the last five, as the Sharks edged the Tobs by a 9-5 final count. With the victory, Wilson and Wilmington are tied for third in the Coastal Plain League South Division at 3-5 overall. Ryan Vander Tuig picked up his first victory of this season, while Zach Woodley picked up the loss for Wilson.

Wilmington got off to a great start in the top of the first, thanks to a throwing error committed by Woodley, which would eventually lead to three unearned runs. Mikel Alvarez drove in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly, Cory Lyda followed with an RBI double, and he was driven in on a double by catcher Kolby Epley. On the play, Lyda was caught in a run down between third and home, but was awarded home plate as Chris Henderson was called for interference by the plate umpire, Jeff Woods.

The Tobs answered back immediately in the bottom of the first, when Justin Parks drove Nick Hogan in from third with a bunt, and Ryne Mantooth brought home Jerry Sands with a fielder's choice. The inning ended as the Tobs attempted a double steal, but Chris Henderson was thrown out at home plate by Alvarez from second base to end the threat. Neither team would threaten or score until the fifth, when the Tobs took a brief lead on a two out, two run single off the bat of Sands, scoring Packy Elkins and Hogan.

Zach Woodley could not hold the lead for very long, promptly surrendering three runs in the Wilmington half of the sixth. He allowed a triple and three singles in the inning, giving Wilmington a two run lead. But, the Tobs again had an answer in their half of the inning. Jesse Lancaster had an RBI single, and once again, the Tobs had a great opportunity with the bases loaded and less than two outs. Nick Hogan hit into a double play to end the threat and keep Wilmington in the lead by one. The Tobs would not have another base runner until the ninth inning.

Paul Novicki entered in relief in the seventh, and retired the first six hitters he faced. But with two outs in the top of the ninth, it all seemed to unravel. A bloop single by Bobby Leeper was followed by consecutive walks, and DH John Nester cracked a bases clearing three run double to right center, breaking the game open for Wilmington and giving them a four run lead. Tyler White would allow a walk in the ninth, but he closed the door and picked up his first save of the season after giving Wilmington 3.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Wilson will enjoy a day off on Monday before they return to action at home against the Columbia Blowfish on YMCA Night at Historic Fleming Stadium on Tuesday. It is their last day off until June 25th. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM versus Columbia with radio coverage beginning at 6:45 PM on WUBN 106.9 FM and the Coastal Plain League WebPass.

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