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Wilson takes bite out of SwampDogs on Hawn’s first homer

June 21, 2008

Wilson, NC — Things looked gloomy in Wilson before the start of Saturday’s game with Fayetteville. Dark clouds hovered over Historic Fleming Stadium, the Tobs were in the midst of a three game losing streak, and they were playing a team they hadn’t beaten in the last two seasons. But Cody Hawn and Tim Adleman changed all of that, the weather held off, and the Wilson Tobs defeated the Fayetteville SwampDogs, 6-3, in front of 1,428 faithful in Wilson. The Tobs ended their three game losing streak, and they are now even with Fayetteville in the standings, with each team holding a 9-11 record.

In the top of the second inning, Wilson plated the first run of the game. Against Aaron Martin, the Tobs loaded the bases on two hits and a walk. With one out and the bases juiced, Jared Richmond grounded into a fielder’s choice at second base, scoring Matt Sanders from third with the first run of the game. The Tobs tacked on two more in the bottom of the third, as Martin suddenly lost the strike zone. Justin Parks was hit by a pitch, and then stole his fourth base of the season as he took second. With two away, Derek Simmons came through with an RBI single to left, scoring Parks with Wilson’s second run.

Then, Martin couldn’t find the zone, and Wilson’s patience made it hurt. Matt Sanders and Packy Elkins drew back to back walks. With the bases loaded, Kevin Weidenbacher received a free RBI from Martin as he was hit by a pitch, scoring Simmons and giving the Tobs a 3-0 lead. Adleman and the Wilson defense, however, could not hold the lead. In the top of the fourth, Derrick Lowery led off with a ground ball off of Weidenbacher’s glove, resulting in an error. Nick Fleece then boomed a double to center, putting runners at second and third. Kevin McKague’s RBI ground out gave Fayetteville a run, and they would tie it on RBI singles from Dustin Johnson and Conner Crumbliss.

Later in the frame, as Adleman escaped with the game tied, Wilson took the lead for good against Aaron Martin. With two outs, Justin Parks lined a single to left field, bringing Cody Hawn to the plate. Hawn, who had hit 19 homers at Walter State Community College this past season, cracked a 1-1 pitch over the right field wall for his first long ball as a Tob, giving Wilson a 5-3 lead and sending the Fleming Stadium faithful into an uproar. It was the sixth team home run hit by the Tobs this season.

Adleman pitched scoreless fifth and sixth innings, before being removed for reliever Brandon Brinson. Brinson pitched the final three innings of the game, picking up his first save of the season. The Tobs got an insurance run in the eighth inning. Kevin Weidenbacher led off with a double to right center off reliever Patrick Ball, and moved to third on a wild pitch. Ross Steedley came through with his second RBI of the season, driving a sacrifice fly to deep left field.

Tim Adleman is now 3-0 on the season, allowing just one earned run in six innings for his second consecutive victory. Aaron Martin drops to 2-1 on the season, as the right-hander tossed four innings, allowing five earned with three walks and two hit batsmen. Fayetteville now leads the season series 2-1 through three match-ups.

The Tobs and SwampDogs will resume their season series Sunday from J.P. Riddle Stadium in Fayetteville. Game time is scheduled for 5:05 PM, and radio coverage on WUBN 106.9 FM will begin at 6:00 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