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Mantooth, Tobs continue to roll

July 15, 2008

Wilson, NC — The Tobs knew they had a good shot Tuesday night against Columbia. When Ryne Mantooth pitches, they usually do. Wilson’s contest with the Blowfish was no different, as Mantooth tossed a complete game gem and the Tobs held off the Blowfish by a 6-1 final count. The victory propels the Tobs to 10-2 in the second half, and 22-17 overall, while the Blowfish are now 11-24 this season. Michael Moore took his fourth loss of the season for Columbia, going just 3.1 innings.

Behind Mantooth, the Wilson offense took the lead in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back. Cam Freeman singled to left field, and moved to second on Mike Markakis’ sacrifice bunt. After a Justin Parks’ single put runners on the corners, Chris Henderson picked up an RBI on a ground ball to second base. Sean Sullivan booted the ground ball, putting runners at first and second. After a wild pitch followed by a passed ball, Parks scored to give the Tobs a 2-0 lead.

The Tobs were not done against Moore, breaking the game open in the fourth. With one out, Matt Sanders and Jared Richmond looped singles to shallow right center. Another wild pitch from Moore put runners at second and third for Chris McGhee. Battling to foul off several tough pitches, McGhee singled to left field, scoring Sanders from third. Moore was removed for right handed reliever Justin Hopper. Hopper was greeted rudely with a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt from Cam Freeman, scoring Richmond from third.

As Richmond crossed the plate, catcher Chris Kay’s throw to first sailed all the way into right field, allowing McGhee to score and putting Cam Freeman on third. Wilson got their final run of the night as Markakis singled to left, driving in Freeman from third. In his first game as a Tob, Markakis handled every chance in center field successfully, and finished the night at 1-3 with his first run batted in.

Mantooth continued to mow down the Blowfish, not allowing a single walk throughout the game while striking out seven. He allowed an unearned run in the seventh when Branfy Arias reached second on Packy Elkins’ throwing error to first. Arias would score from third on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Kay. The right hander from Austin Peay State also contributed to the cause with a defensive gem, snagging a line drive off the bat of David Anderson headed for center field. Mantooth finished the complete game throwing just 102 pitches.

Wilson finishes off their three game home stand Wednesday night against the Fayetteville SwampDogs at Historic Fleming Stadium. Right hander Taylor Miller (Appalachian State) gets the nod for the first place Tobs. Gates will open at 6:05 PM for Slugger’s Birthday, presented by Anne’s Donuts. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM, and radio coverage will begin on the Coastal Plain League 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