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Tobs knock off Bulldogs in final exhibition contest of season

July 14, 2008

Wilson, NC — Although the game did not count in the standings, it certainly counted for Alex Meyer. In his third start of the year, Meyer pitched seven innings of one hit baseball to earn the victory over the Kernersville Bulldogs, as the Tobs won by a 7-1 final score. Wilson finishes up its exhibition record at 2-0 this season, having defeated the Catawba Valley Stars back on May 31st. Right hander Zack Scott took the loss for Kernersville.

The outcome of the game was determined in the very first inning. Cam Freeman led off with a double, but Packy Elkins and Justin Parks were unable to drive him in as they both grounded out. Then, Scott completely lost the strike zone. He walked the next three hitters, with Jared Richmond driving in the game’s first run on his bases loaded base on balls. Kevin Weidenbacher looped a double to right field that Joe John could not come up with despite a diving attempt. All three runners scored as Weidenbacher cleared the bases, giving the Wilson Tobs a 4-0 lead.

Wilson’s offense was not done against Scott, plating two more in the third. The Tobs loaded the bases on a Justin Parks double and two walks. Weidenbacher then hit what appeared to be an inning ending double play back to the mound. Scott came home with the throw for the second out of the inning, but John Neese’s throw to first was wild, allowing Matt Sanders to score from second. Cody Hawn then roped an RBI single to left field, giving the Tobs their sixth run of the night.

Meyer allowed Kernersville’s only run and base hit in the fifth inning. After two were away, Murray White drew a walk and advanced to second on Parks’ passed ball. Alex Starbuck then tapped a slow grounder to second, which turned out to be an infield single and the only hit of the game for the Bulldogs. Kernersville’s run turned out to be unearned, as White scored from third on Matt Sander’s throwing error at third base.

The Tobs plated the game’s final run in the last of the eighth against right handed reliever Ronald Phelps. Packy Elkins cracked a two run triple to the right center field gap, and he came around to score on a passed ball charged to Lester Rivenbark. Paul Novicki pitched the final two innings of the game in relief of Meyers to close the door on the Bulldogs. Over seven frames, Meyer struck out eight, walked two, and hit two.

Wilson continues their home stand tomorrow night as the Columbia Blowfish head to town. Ryne Mantooth (Austin Peay State) will get the nod for the Tobs who will enter the game at 9-2 in the second half. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM on Greenlight Speed Night at Historic Fleming Stadium. Gates will open at 6:05 PM, and radio coverage begins on the CPL WebPass and WUBN 106.9 FM at 6:45 PM 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