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Tobs fall to red hot RedWolves

June 18, 2008

Wilson, NC — Heading into Wednesday's contest at Fleming Stadium, the 13-3 Florence RedWolves had suffered two losses in their only trips to Wilson. The third time was the charm for the Coastal Plain League's best team. Behind emergency starter Barrett Kleinknecht, the RedWolves defeated the Wilson Tobs for the first time at Historic Fleming Stadium by a 6-2 final count. The victory puts Florence at a league-best 14-3, while Wilson falls back under the .500 mark at 8-9 overall.

Wilson's T.J. Hinson and Klenknecht kept the game scoreless through the first two frames. In the top half of the third, the Wolves broke the ice thanks to a defensive miscue by the Wilson infield. Jamie Walczak singled with one out and went to second on a ground out to third base. As the out was recorded at first base, Walczak darted toward third, realizing there was no one covering the bag. Cody Hawn threw from first and Matt Sanders could not get to the base in time. Hawn's throw sailed down the left field line, and Walczak scored an unearned run.

The Tobs would answer right back in the bottom half, getting some help of their own from Florence's infield. Kevin Weidenbacher worked a one out walk off of Kleinknecht, and the Tobs played hit and run as Nick Hogan cracked an RBI double to right center field, scoring Weidenbacher from third. After Packy Elkins struck out, Derek Simmons hit a ground ball through the legs of Florence's short stop, Justin Beal, allowing Hogan to score and giving the Tobs a 2-1 advantage.

Florence had another answer of their own against T.J. Hinson, making his first start of the season for Wilson. With one out, Alec Lowrey doubled, and Jared Barkdoll worked out a free pass to first. After Keon Graves was retired on a fly ball to left field, Beal earned instant redemption for his error as he launched a two run double down the left field line, giving the RedWolves their second one run lead of the night. That was all Barrett Kleinknecht would need, but Florence gave their starter two more in the fifth, once again thanks to a Wilson miscue.

Blake Walker reached second on a two out double, and Myckie Lugbauer singled to put runners at the corners. Florence continued their two out success as Alec Lowrey cracked an RBI single, scoring Walker. Barkdoll then hit a ground ball that went directly through the legs of Matt Sanders, scoring Lugbauer and giving Florence a four run lead. Hinson lasted just five, allowing only three earned runs on seven hits. He is now 2-1 on the season.

The final run of the game came in the top of the ninth for Florence, when the RedWolves loaded the bases with one out against Wilson's Brandon Brinson, who had pitched the night before in Wilmington. Alec Lowrey drove in his second run of the night with a sacrifice fly to deep right, scoring Walczak from third.

After their two run third inning, the Tobs were held stagnant by Florence pitching, something the entire Coastal Plain League has become accustomed to when taking on the RedWolves. Kleinknecht was not inserted into Wes Davis' lineup card until about 20 minutes before game time, and he allowed just one earned run over seven frames, walking one and striking out five. Left-hander Jeremiah Meiners pitched a scoreless eighth and worked into the ninth. Jeremy Berg earned a save coming on in the final frame with the tying run on deck, but he retired Sanders and Cam Freeman to complete the game. Florence now owns a 3-2 series advantage in the first five contests between the division rivals.

Wilson will try to get back to .500 on Thursday night when they head for Florence, SC, in another contest with the first place RedWolves. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 PM in Florence, with radio coverage beginning at 7:15 PM on WUBN 106.9 FM with Eric Kopp. The Tobs will play in Columbia Friday, and their next contest at Historic Fleming Stadium will take place Saturday night against the Fayetteville SwampDogs. All Tobs fans in attendance will have a chance to receive a free haircut, courtesy of Airport Barbershop.

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