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Tobs lose third straight in rain-shortened contest

June 20, 2008

Columbia, SC — The RedWolves were out of the picture as the Tobs headed to Columbia to take on the last-place Blowfish Friday night. But Steven Evans struggled with his control for the second straight start, and torrential thunderstorms ended the game after five innings, as the Tobs dropped a 3-1 decision to the Blowfish. Wilson is now 8-11 on the season, while Columbia improves to 7-13 overall. The Blowfish now lead the season series 3-2 through their first five meetings.

Columbia got on the board in the bottom of the second inning against Evans, scoring two unearned runs. Evans issued a leadoff walk to Jesse Barbaro, and he stole second. After an out was recorded, Evans issued another walk to Blair Carson. Rich Witten then laid down a bunt that would determine the fate of the shortened game. Evans bobbled the ball on the mound, committing an error and loading the bases. Oliver Santos had an RBI fielder's choice, and Philip Morgan came through with a two out RBI single.

Wilson got their only run of the contest in the fourth. Justin Parks reached base on an error by shortstop Tyler Bortnick, and Cody Hawn drew a walk. Derek Simmons laid down a successful sacrifice to advance the runners, and Chris Henderson knocked in Parks from third with an RBI ground out to second base. Wilson's only hit of the five inning game came in the third when Kevin Weidenbacher singled to right field.

Evans allowed another run in the bottom of the fifth, right before the game was called. Thanks to two walks and two singles, Columbia plated the final run of the night as Sean Sullivan cracked an RBI single to center, scoring Tyler McBride from second base. Evans took his second straight loss, allowing three runs through five, while Columbia's Keegan Linza pitched the full five and picked up his second victory of the season.

Wilson will try to end their three game losing streak Saturday night when they play host to eh Fayetteville SwampDogs at Historic Fleming Stadium. Game time is set for 7:05 PM and gates open at 6:05 PM. Every Saturday at Fleming Stadium is Cycle Max Saturday. In addition, Saturday is Airport Barbershop Free Haircut Night at the ballpark. Radio coverage begins at 6:45 PM on the CPL WebPass and WUBN 106.9 FM 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