News

Sponsored by

Tobs' streak ends in big loss at Florence

June 13, 2008

Florence, SC — After three straight victories, the Tobs had gained a lot of confidence in the Coastal Plain League. Hopefully, after Friday's blow out loss at Florence, that confidence does not subside. Langford Stuber and Paul Novicki were hit hard and often by RedWolf hitters, as they evened the season series with the Tobs, picking up a 12-1 victory at American Legion Field Friday night. The loss drops the Tobs back to .500, while Florence holds on to first place in the CPL South and improves to 10-3 overall.

Florence blew the game open in the second inning, scoring five runs off of starter Langford Stuber. Alec Lowrey reached on an error by Packy Elkins, and Stuber proceeded to walk Barrett Kleinknecht and Keon Graves to load the bases with one out. Herman Petzold, batting in the ninth slot, delivered a bases clearing double down the left field line to put the RedWolves up by three. Jamie Walczak promptly followed with his second homer in as many nights, and Florence led by 5 after two. It was all starter Rob Kumbatovic would need.

Stuber lasted just two, and Paul Novicki was greeted rudely in the bottom of the third, giving up a lead off homer to Alec Lowery, his first of the year. The game stayed at 6-0 until the top of the fifth, when Wilson scored its only run. Zeke Blanton led off with a single. After a ground ball moved him to second, Nick Hogan delivered a two out RBI single to right field, putting the Tobs within five of Florence.

The RedWolves took exception to the Tobs run, and answered back with another five spot in the last of the fifth against Novicki. Florence's three through six hitters started the inning with four consecutive base hits, including an RBI double by Lowery, and a two run single by catcher Jared Barkdoll. A run would score on a throwing error by third baseman Cam Freeman, and another crossed the plate on Walczak's fielder's choice RBI.

Brandon Brinson pitched the final three innings of the game for the Tobs, and was solid to close out the game. The only blemish on his final line was a solo homer allowed to Keon Graves in the seventh, completing the scoring for the night. The Tobs had just seven hits and left eight. Kumbatovic improved his record to 2-1 in three starts against Wilson this season, while Stuber's record fell to 1-2.

Wilson will head home tomorrow night to take on the Martinsville Mustangs for the first time this season at Historic Fleming Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM for Cycle Max Saturday and Thomas and Farris Legends of Tobs Logo Baseball Giveaway Night sponsored by Thomas and Farris. The first 200 fans in attendance will receive a baseball celebrating the career of former Tobs pitcher Mike Flye, who will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Gates will open at 6:05, and radio coverage begins on the CPL WebPass and WUBN 106.9 FM at 6:45 PM with Eric Kopp.

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