Wilson Tobs Baseball - News - Tobs pull ahead, then hang on for 7-5 win

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Tobs pull ahead, then hang on for 7-5 win

July 8, 2009

Fayetteville, NC — The Wilson Tobs jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead, then found a way to hang on as the Fayetteville SwampDogs made things interesting late as the Tobs beat the SwampDogs in front of 1,936 fans at J.P. Riddle Stadium Tuesday night by a score of 7-5.

The win marks the fourth time the Tobs have beaten Fayetteville, and the second time they've bested the SwampDogs while on the road. The Tobs opened the 2009 season by beating Fayetteville here on May 27 in a 6-1 victory. The Tobs are now 4-5 against the SwampDogs.

The Tobs scored the first five runs of the contest, thanks in large part to second baseman Matt Johns. The product out of Western Carolina went a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles and three runs batted in. It was Johns who highlighted a three-run first inning with his two-run double down the left field line to help give the Tobs a 3-0 lead. He would bring in another run in the third inning on a run-scoring double, extending the Tobs lead to 5-0.

Fayetteville would battle back, thanks in part to RBI-singles by Michael Niemann and Matt Skirving in the third inning to close the Tobs lead to 5-4.

The Tobs got two very important runs in the sixth, thanks to an RBI-single by Bobby Leeper and a sacrifice fly from Rob Folsom to give the Tobs a three-run lead at 7-4.

Controversy ensued in the bottom of the sixth, resulting in the ejection of Fayetteville head coach Darrell Handlesman. With a 1-1 count to former Tob Jesse Lancaster, Tobs starter Brennan Dobbins' fastball missed high and inside, nearly hitting the SwampDogs third baseman. Home plate umpire Mike Cascioppo ruled that the batter had been hit by the pitch, and allowed a seemingly surprised Lancaster to trot down to first base. After a brief arguement from Tobs head coach Jeff Steele, Cascioppo and base umpire Mitchell Quandt met to review the play. In an unprecidented move, the umpires not only reversed their call that Lancaster was hit by the pitch, but they also ruled that the ball had actually made contact with the bat, resulting in a foul ball, and a 1-2 count. As expected, a livid Handlesman was ejected by Quandt, resulting in the Fayetteville skipper firing his helmet on the ground, removing first base from it's supports and tossing in 50 feet into foul territory, and leaving the stadium by walking out of the ballpark down the right field line and into the parking lot.

Fayetteville would get an RBI-double from Brendan Rowland in the seventh, but would get no closer as they brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Tobs closer Jason Sullivan induced an Eric Grabe fly ball to the warning track to end the game and give the Tobs a 7-5 win.

Dobbins (2-2) started and went 6.1 innings for the Tobs, allowing fine runs in picking up his second win for the Tobs. Jason Sullivan came on to pitch a scoreless ninth and pick up his eighth save of the season. Will Simpson (1-1) allowed five runs (one earned) in three innings and picked up the loss, his first of the season.

The Tobs come home to take on the Wilmington Sharks this Wednesday night beginning at 7:05pm. The Tobs will be celebrating their mascot, Slugger's Birthday presented by Denny's Restaurant, with all of his mascot friends. Don't forget, you can hear every pitch of the 2009 Tobs season with the Voice of Wilson Tobs Baseball, Dan Hasty, live on WUBN 106.9-FM.

The Wilson Tobs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its thirteenth season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 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:
Dan Hasty
252-291-8627