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Tobs rack up another with win over Sharks

July 10, 2008

Wilson, NC — When you’re hot, you’re hot. The Tobs certainly have played to that expression during the second half of their 2008 campaign. Wilson won its eighth game of the half Thursday night, knocking off the Wilmington Sharks at home by a 5-2 final count. Wilson improves to 8-1 on the half, and 20-16 overall. It is the first time the Tobs’ overall record stands at four games over .500, while Wilmington is just 2-5 on the half. The Sharks are now 16-19 overall. Brian Moran picked up his second victory in as many outings with the Tobs, while right hander Matt Freeman recorded loss number two on the season.

After the first third of the game breezed by with scoreless frames, Wilmington got on the board with one swing in the top of the fourth. Center fielder Cory Lyda launched a solo homer to right field for his first of the season. Brian Moran would remain collected, retiring the next six hitters after the long ball. Matt Freeman could not hold the 1-0 lead for long. In the bottom of the fifth, Derek Simmons led off with a double to right center. Cody Hawn then laid down a sacrifice bunt, but Freeman’s throw was errant, putting runners at the corners with no one out.

Cam Freeman continued his clutch hitting with a single to right field, plating Simmons and tying the game. Chris McGhee tried to bunt as well, but he was unsuccessful as Cody Hawn was forced out at third base. After Matt Sanders struck out for the second out of the inning, Chris Henderson drew a four pitch walk to juice up the bases for Justin Parks. Parks, the most reliable hitter for the Tobs this season, delivered with a two out, two run single to center field as the Tobs took a 3-1 lead.

Moran ran into trouble in the top of the sixth, but was able to keep his team in the lead. Bobby Leeper tripled to dead center field, and was almost stranded at third base. Kolby Epley struck out swinging, and Cory Lyda flied out to shallow left field. Mike Alvarez delivered with a two out RBI single to left field, cutting the Tobs’ lead in half. Brian would finish the inning, but allow a lead off single to Justice French to begin the seventh. Finishing his night on a strong note, John Nester was retired on strikes, and Daniel Parker hit into an inning ending double play.

Wilson picked up some much needed insurance in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out, reliever Corey Burgess walked Packy Elkins, who advanced to second on a wild pitch. Simmons then followed with his third base hit of the night, plating Elkins and giving the Tobs another two run lead. Simmons stole second, and Hawn singled him to third. After Cam Freeman dug in, Burgess uncorked a wild pitch over the head of catcher John Nester, allowing Simmons to score the final run of the game.

Paul Bertuccini pitched the final two innings of the game for his second save this season. After a perfect eighth, the ninth inning got a little dicey. Cory Lyda singled and stole second, and he was followed by a Mike Alvarez base hit, putting runners at the corners. The Sharks then ran themselves out of a big inning when Alvarez was caught trying to steal second by Chris Henderson. Justice French popped out to Packy Elkins, and John Nester was retired on a ground ball to end the game. The Tobs now lead the Sharks six to three in the season series, with three contests remaining between the two clubs.

Wilson will head on the road for back to back road games Friday and Saturday, beginning with tomorrow’s contest in Peninsula. Right hander Tim Adleman (Georgetown) gets the nod for the red hot Tobs. The team hits the road Saturday as they visit Petersburg to take on the Generals. Both games begin at 7:05 PM, with radio coverage starting up at 6:45 PM on WUBN 106.9 FM with Eric Kopp. Wilson’s next home game is Monday night at Historic Fleming Stadium, when the Kernersville Bulldogs come to town. Gates open at 6:05 PM on Salute to Heroes Night, when local law enforcement and rescue agencies are honored at the ball park.

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