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Five run eighth leads to dramatic comeback victory over Columbia

June 10, 2008

Wilson, NC — Going into the eighth inning against the Columbia Blowfish Tuesday night, it looked like another bleak offensive night for the Tobs. They had left the bases loaded twice, and had just one run on five hits through the first seven frames. However, when the inning was all said and done, the Tobs had scored five runs on four hits, two walks, and a hit batter. Just three outs later, they had their most dramatic victory of the season, 6-5 against the Blowfish. The win puts the Tobs one game closer to .500 at 4-5, while Columbia falls to 3-8 overall.

Before the game, it was announced that Wilson outfielder Jerry Sands had agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who drafted him in the 26th round of Friday's Major League Baseball Draft. He will be heading to Vero Beach, Florida to play for the Dodger's Gulf Coast League affiliate.

"When I was in bed last night, it kind of hit me that I'd realized my dream," Sands said. "While this is one step of my dream, I still know I have a lot of work to do to get up to the big leagues- my eventual goal."

Wilson got the scoring going early in the second. After Justin Parks doubled, Kevin Weidenbacher cracked an RBI single to center field to put the Tobs ahead by one. Tobs' starter Tim Adleman, however, could not keep the Blowfish scoreless while his offense struggled over the next five innings. Columbia tied the game in the fourth on a leadoff solo homer by center fielder Tyler McBride, and took the lead when Oliver Santos scored on an error committed by Parks in right field.

Trailing by one, the Tobs left the bases loaded in the fourth, and Adleman surrendered two more runs in the top half of the fifth. Blair Carson, who started the game for Columbia, had an RBI single, and it was followed by an RBI single from first baseman Jesse Barbaro, putting Columbia ahead by three. In the bottom of the fifth, the Tobs would leave the bases loaded once again, with Parks flying out to right field to end the threat. Columbia got a single run in the sixth, and then the game took a turn.

Former Tob Erik Sommerville had pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Carson, who went just five. In the eighth, he began the frame by walking Ross Steedley on four pitches. Then, the Tobs got a break. Parks fell behind Sommerville, 0-2, and was hit in the back with a fastball. Enter Michael Moore, who would not pick up an out until five more batters had reached the plate. Ryne Mantooth singled to load the bases, and Kevin Weidenbacher battled for an RBI walk.

Jesse Lancaster's two run single scored Parks and Mantooth, putting the game at 5-4. Chris Freeman found himself in a sacrificial state, trying to get a bunt down, but fouling off the first two pitches. Jeff Steele took a risk and put the bunt sign on again, which worked out perfectly as Freeman beat the throw to first, loading the bases again. Nick Hogan would follow and deliver the go-ahead two run single, scoring Weidenbacher and Lancaster to take the lead.

Right-hander T.J. Hinson from Mount Olive pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth to pick the victory in his first game as a Wilson Tob. Michael Moore allowed three in just one inning to take the loss for Columbia. It was the largest deficit overcome by the Tobs this season, and the five runs in the eighth tied their season high for runs in an inning. In all three of their games against Columbia this season, the Tobs have scored five in an inning in each of the three contests.

Wilson will head to Outer Banks tomorrow night to take on the Daredevils at 7:05 PM. Radio coverage will begin on WUBN at 106.9 FM. Their next home contest at Historic Fleming Stadium will take place on Thursday, June 12th against the first place Florence RedWolves. Gates will open at 6:05 PM on Thirsty Thursday and Carolina Cheese Company Night at the ball park.

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