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Tobs shut down by Generals

July 12, 2008

Petersburg, VA — It was just one of those nights. Nothing seemed to go right for the Tobs Saturday night as they were defeated by the Petersburg Generals, 8-1, in the first and last meeting between the two clubs at Petersburg Sports Complex. The Tobs picked up just their second loss of the half, while Petersburg hops over the .500 mark at 5-4 since July 1st. Wilson’s record drops to 21-17 overall, but the Tobs remain atop the Coastal Plain League South Division with a 9-2 mark in the half.

The momentum of the game appeared to shift in the very first inning as the Tobs squandered a tremendous scoring opportunity against starter Daniel Barnes. Chris McGhee walked, followed by singles by Matt Sanders and Justin Parks to load the bases with none out. Then, Barnes was able to retire Derek Simmons on strikes. Kevin Weidenbacher then hit a hard ground ball back to the mount that caromed off the glove of Barnes and traveled directly to the second baseman Matthew Williams, who turned the double play to keep the game scoreless.

Petersburg would plate the game’s first runs in the third against Ryan Byrd. Williams led off the frame by hitting a ground ball to Sanders at third base, but his throw was high, allowing Williams to reach on his ninth error of the season. Williams then stole second, and Matthew Hamlet drew a walk. With Justin Parks behind the plate giving Chris Henderson a much needed night off, both runners stole successfully with Tyler Stubblefield at the plate. Stubblefield then came through with the first hit of the night for the Generals, singling both runners in on a base hit to center field. The Generals scored their third and final run of the inning when Eric Curtis doubled Stubblefield in from second.

The Tobs answered back in the top of the fifth against Barnes, but it would be their only run of the night. Jared Richmond doubled high off the right center field fence, missing a home run by a matter of inches. Matt Sanders then singled him in from second for his sixteenth RBI of the season. Petersburg got that run right back in the bottom of the frame, and then some. The catalyst once again, Williams singled and stole second with one out. Parks’ throw was errant, allowing Williams to take third. He was driven in by Hamlet’s sacrifice fly to right field.

With two out, Stubblefield singled, and Greyson Schram homered to deep left center field, busting the game open for the Generals and giving them a 6-1 lead. Byrd would depart after five innings, allowing four earned runs and six overall. He was charged with his second loss in three starts with the Tobs. Barnes won his second consecutive start, and his fifth overall. He defeated the Edenton Steamers last Monday.

The Generals put up single runs in the sixth and the eighth, while the Tobs would not score again. In the sixth, Petersburg plated a run against reliever Paul Novicki as Williams came through again, this time with a run scoring single to drive home Keith Hill from second base. Novicki yielded another in the eighth, as Williams drove home Randy Bernosky from third with an infield single.

For the first time in a long time, the Tobs struggled with runners on base, reminiscent of their first half struggles. Wilson had ten base hits, but thirteen strike outs. The Tobs left thirteen runners on base, eight of which were stranded in scoring position. Wilson is now 4-2 against opponents outside of the CPL South Division.

Wilson happily returns to Historic Fleming Stadium Monday as the Tobs begin a three game home stand before heading back on the road. The Tobs will enjoy an off day Sunday, as the Kernersville Bulldogs visit the Tobs on Monday night. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM, with gates opening at 6:05 PM on Salute to Heroes Night. Radio coverage will begin at 6:45 PM on the CPL 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