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Moran leads Tobs over Columbia for third straight

July 17, 2008

Columbia, SC — Brian Moran has been the definition of consistent since his arrival in Wilson. Heading into Thursday’s contest with the Columbia Blowfish, Moran had racked up two victories, going seven innings each time out. Thursday night was no different. The left hander from UNC allowed two runs over seven frames as the Tobs won again, defeating the Columbia Blowfish by a 6-2 final count at Capital City Stadium. Wilson’s second half record improved to a league best 12-2, and they are 24-17 overall. Dating back to June 26th, the Tobs have won 14 of their last 16 games.

Against Columbia’s Will Casey, the Tobs got the scoring going in the top of the third inning. Casey learned quickly that the Tobs’ offense has capitalized on mistakes throughout their successful second half. With one out, Chris McGhee and Mike Markakis drew consecutive walks. They then moved up to second and third respectively on the successful double steal attempt. Justin Parks knocked in McGhee with an RBI ground out, and Chris Henderson provided the game’s second run on an infield single, scoring Markakis.

Moran cruised through the first four innings, but hit a bit of a road bump in the fifth. Jesse Barbaro led off with a single to center field, and he was bunted over to second by Sid Fallaw. After Tyler McBride grounded out to second base, Barbaro headed to third with two outs. Columbia got a break as Branfy Arias knocked in Barbaro with an infield single that traveled no more than thirty feet, cutting the Tobs’ lead in half. Tyler Bortnick came within inches of tying the game after Arias stole second, but Packy Elkins’ diving catch of a line drive headed for center field kept Wilson in front with a 2-1 lead.

Will Casey could not keep the Tobs off the board in the very next inning, and again, walks came back to hurt him. He issued free passes to Derek Simmons and Packy Elkins to begin the frame, before being removed for right hander Robert Lake. Matt Sanders popped up a bunt attempt, but Jared Richmond came through with an RBI single to right field, bringing Simmons home and sending Elkins to second base. The second out of the inning was recorded on Cam Freeman’s ground out. Chris McGhee then delivered a clutch two out RBI hit to center field, putting the Tobs in front by a 4-1 margin.

Columbia got another against Moran, but the lefty kept his team in the lead throughout the game. Sean Sullivan doubled down the left field line, and he would eventually come around and score on a ground out off the bat of David Anderson. It was the last run Columbia would plate. Moran threw less than 100 pitches over seven frames, walking just one and striking out six. Of the four hits he yielded, two of them did not leave the infield.

The Tobs picked up some much needed breathing room in the top of the eighth inning. Lake walked lead off man Packy Elkins, and this time Matt Sanders got down a successful sacrifice bunt. Playing the match-up, Columbia skipper Tim Medlin called on left hander Corey Deering to pitch to Jared Richmond. Medlin’s decision would backfire. Richmond crushed a two run homer to right center, giving the Tobs their final runs of the game. It was Richmond’s second long ball of the season, both of which have come away from Historic Fleming Stadium.

Paul Bertuccini was called on by Jeff Steele to pitch the last two innings, but they were not completed without some moments of nervousness. The right hander walked three and struck out three, forcing Paul Novicki to get loose in the Wilson bullpen. Bertuccini maintained his control however, striking out center fielder Tyler McBride to end the game. The Tobs are now 2-2 at Capital City Stadium this season. Holding a big lead in first place, the Tobs might want to get used to the confines in Columbia, as it is the site of this year’s Petitt Cup Playoff Tournament.

Wilson continues its road trip Friday night at J.P. Riddle Stadium, when the Tobs visit the Fayetteville SwampDogs. Tim Adleman (Georgetown) will head to the mound with his perfect 6-0 record. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM at “The Swamp.” Radio coverage begins at 6:45 PM on 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