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Tobs shut out by Wilmington for first loss in second half

July 7, 2008

Wilmington, NC — All good things must come to an end. For the Tobs, their six game losing streak came to an end Monday night at Buck Hardee Field, as the Sharks handed the Tobs a 4-0 defeat, their first in the second half of the 2008 Coastal Plain League season. Wilson lost for the first time since Saturday, June 28th, and their record drops to 5-1 in the half. The Sharks are now 2-2 in the second half, and an even .500 overall at 16-16. The Tobs remain in first place in the South Division, and their mark falls to 17-16 overall. Alex Meyer took his second loss in as many starts, while Eric Callender tossed seven scoreless frames for his third victory of the year.

The Sharks got on the board right away in the bottom half of the first inning. Bobby Leeper singled to lead things off for Wilmington. After Kolby Epley failed to bunt him to second, Leeper attempted to steal second base. Catcher Chris Henderson’s throw was errant, bouncing into center field, and Leeper took off for third on the error. Center Fielder Cam Freeman tried to nail Leeper at third, but his throw was errant as well, allowing Leeper to come all the way around and score, giving Wilmington a 1-0 lead. The run was unearned on the line of Alex Meyer.

Wilmington plated another in the bottom of the second, which would be more than enough for Eric Callender. With one out, John Nester singled to center, and he promptly stole second base. Neal Pritchard then cracked a double to deep center field over Freeman’s head, scoring Nester from second base. With Wilmington leading 2-0, the Tobs could not convert on two chances to tie the game.

After Callender cruised through the first three frames, the Tobs got leadoff singles in the fourth from Matt Sanders and Henderson. Justin Parks then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, putting runners at second and third. Callender was able to bare down and retire Cody Hawn and Derek Simmons on strikes, leaving two runners in scoring position.

In almost a repeat of the fourth inning, Wilson got the first two on base in the fifth after Kevin Weidenbacher singled and Jared Richmond Walked. Cam Freeman then laid down the sacrifice bunt, but Packy Elkins popped out to third base. Sanders drew a walk to load the bases, and Henderson grounded out to end the frame and keep Wilson off the board.

Against Meyer, the Sharks broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth inning after the Tobs squandered back to back scoring opportunities. Left fielder Matt Kirchner led off the frame with a single. Bobby Leeper then smacked a Meyer fastball over the center field fence for a two run home run, his third of the season, giving Wilmington a 4-0 lead and concluding the scoring for the night.

Callender would toss seven brilliant shut out frames, and Tyler White pitched the final two in a non-save situation. White allowed just one base hit to Sanders in the eighth, but the frame ended when Sanders was picked off of third by catcher Kolby Epley after Sanders advanced to third on a wild pitch. Left hander Paul Novicki pitched the final two innings as Meyer exited after six innings. Novicki would yield two base hits, but no runs, for his second consecutive two inning shut out performance. Wilson finished the night with just five base hits. The Tobs now lead the season series over the Sharks 4-3 with five contests remaining between the two clubs. Wilson returns to Wilmington on Wednesday for an afternoon game.

Wilson will return home Tuesday night as they play host to the Fayetteville SwampDogs for the first time in the second half. Right hander Ryne Mantooth (Austin Peay State) will get the nod for the Tobs. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM with gates opening at 6:05 PM. Tickets are still available on Regency Athletic Club Night at Historic Fleming Stadium. Radio coverage will begin at 6:45 PM on the Coastal Plain League 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