Wilson Tobs Baseball - News - Tobs rally falls short in 9-6 loss

News

Sponsored by

Tobs rally falls short in 9-6 loss

July 15, 2009

Florence, SC — After trailing 9-0, the Tobs rallied to bring the tying run to the plate, but would fall 9-6 to the Florence RedWolves in front of 1,338 fans at American Legion Field on Tuesday night.

Florence built a 9-0 lead against Tobs starter Steven Huff and reliever Brent Haynes to the fifth inning, but the Tobs would slowly climb back into the game. Justin Vasquez launched his team-high fourth home run of the season to the opposite field (left) to make it 9-1. Then in a three-run eighth inning against Florence shortstop/pitcher Tyler Burnett, Bobby Leeper connected to the opposite field as well (right) to hit a solo home run, his second, to help make the score 9-4. The Tobs would add two more in the ninth, and after a walk to Vasquez, brought Zach Johnson to the plate as the tying run. Florence brought in Brad Raj to close out the ballgame, and got Johnson to bounce out to third on his only pitch in the contest to end the game.

CPL All-Star John Taylor picked up the win after pitching seven, one-run innings to improve to 4-3. Steven Huff got the loss after going 4.1 innings allowing six runs to fall to 0-2 on the season.

Game Notes: Before the game, the Coastal Plain League has announced their All-Star Rosters for the CPL All-Star Game on July 21 in Wilmington, NC. The Tobs will send four players to the All-Star Game this season. The National team will host three Tobs: OF Bobby Leeper, who is the only Tob who has appeared in every game this season, all of which in centerfield, while he’s hit a team best .285 with two home runs and 15 RBI. Furthermore, the speedy outfielder has been solid defensively, and has recorded a team high 18 stolen bases. LHP Trent Howard, one of the premier pitchers in the CPL this summer, has posted a 3-1 record with a 0.88 ERA. The southpaw out of Central Michigan has walked 10 and struck out 47 batters in 41 innings on the mound for the Tobs has been selected to the team as well. RHP Jason Sullivan has been one of the top closers in the CPL this season, and he garners an All-Star Selection to show for it. Converting 8 of 9 save opportunities, and currently sitting with a perfect 5-0 record with a 0.92 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 19.2 innings, Sullivan has been nearly perfect in his role this season for Wilson. Playing for the American team is 1B Jake Astor from Southern Arkansas, the fourth and final Tobs selection. Astor is currently hitting .273 with 13 RBI, and more walks than strikeouts (19BB/18K).

The Tobs take on the Thomasville HiToms Wednesday night beginning at 7:05pm to celebrate Regency Athletic Club night. The Tobs then travel to Wilmington for the first half of a home and home, then return home to battle the Sharks on Friday, July 17 beginning at 7:05pm. The Tobs will be celebrating Jack McKeon Bobblehead Night at the ballpark, with a special appearance from former World Series Champion and former Tobs skipper Jack McKeon. 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 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:
Dan Hasty
252-291-8627