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Byrd strong in debut, but Tobs’ bats stymied by Fayetteville

June 27, 2008

Wilson, NC — The relief had shown up for the Tobs before the start of Friday night’s contest with the Fayetteville SwampDogs. Wilson was ecstatic to see left hander Ryan Byrd on the hill, arriving in Wilson just a day earlier from LSU after his experiences with the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Byrd gave the Tobs a solid five inning outing, allowing just two runs. However, when the night was over, the Tobs were left scratching their heads. Wilson’s bats were completely shut down by Aaron Martin and Derrick Lowery, and Fayetteville defeated the Tobs once again, this time by a 4-1 final score.

Wilson felt fairly confident heading into the match up with Fayetteville at Historic Fleming Stadium. The last time the SwampDogs were there, the Tobs were victorious, and Martin allowed five runs over just four frames. This time around, Martin was brilliant, allowing just an unearned run through 7 1/3 innings of work. Derrick Lowery had not pitched since the season opener against Wilson, and in his second appearance on the hill, he picked up his second save, recording the final five outs of the game. Wilson is now 11-14, while the SwampDogs climb back to .500 at 14-14 overall. Fayetteville leads the season series 5-1, with six contests remaining between the two clubs.

Byrd got through the first inning quite easily, but ran into trouble in the second as Fayetteville loaded the bases with two outs after three singles. Catcher Ryan Lowe, the hitting hero of the night, then ripped a single to center field, scoring two and giving Fayetteville a 2-0 lead, one which they would never lose.

Wilson cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the third, which was no fault of Martin’s. With two outs and the bases empty, Kevin Weidenbacher hit a ground ball to third base, but Brett Sowers threw it down the right field line, and Weidenbacher scampered to third. Ryne Mantooth then hit a simple roller to short stop, but Conner Crumbliss’ throwing error allowed Weidenbacher to score.

After Byrd exited through five strong, right hander Andrew Wilson was the second Tobs pitcher of the night to make his debut. His first three innings were outstanding, and Martin continued to cruise for Fayetteville. Wilson would not run into trouble again until the top of the ninth, when Fayetteville once again picked up two runs on four base hits. RBI singles were picked up by Dustin Johnson and Parker Banks, both with two outs against Wilson. Lowery would allow a lead off walk to Packy Elkins in the bottom of the frame, but he retired the final three hitters in order to shut the door and kill any dreams of another Wilson walk off victory.

The Tobs will head to Fayetteville Saturday night for their sixth match up of the season with the Fayetteville SwampDogs. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM, with radio coverage beginning at 6:45 PM on WUBN 106.9 FM with Eric Kopp. The next Tobs’ home game will take place on Monday when Wilson plays host to the Wilmington Sharks. Monday’s contest will also begin at 7:05 PM on “Bark in the Park” Night, when fans are encouraged to bring dogs to the ball park, permitting the dogs are on leashes.

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