Wilson Tobs Baseball - News - Tobs steal one in Florence

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Tobs steal one in Florence

July 25, 2009

Florence, SC — The Wilson Tobs took advantage of just about everything they could have as the Tobs beat the Florence RedWolves in front of 1,720 fans Thursday night at American Legion Field by a score of 3-2.

With the win, Wilson takes over first place in the CPL South by a half game over the RedWolves, and is a season best 11 games over the .500 mark.

The Tobs trailed 2-0 after Florence scored single runs in the first and second inning thanks to RBI-singles from Patrick Dolan and Drew Haynes, and the Tobs’ bats would be held in check thanks to a stellar performance by Florence starter David Haselden.

In the seventh, the Tobs would finally break through, scoring twice, thanks to an error by RedWolves second baseman Herman Petzold off the bat of Aaron Watkins, and a wild pitch by Haselden to score another and tie the game at two.

In the ninth, the Tobs found a way to push across the game-winning run thanks to some “small-ball.” Matt Johns led things off with a four-pitch walk before Dale Cornstubble laid down a picture-perfect bunt to the right-side, resulting in three RedWolves converging, and none of them retriving the baseball. The play was further aided when a throwing error by Florence first baseman Myckie Lugbauer helped put both runners in scoring position.

It was then Watkins, who drilled a medium-depth fly ball to Sam DiMattieo in right-field. After DiMattieo made the catch, Johns attempted to tag and score from third base. The throw home was on target, but the Tobs shortstop kicked the ball out of the glove of Florence catcher David Masters during his slide into home to give the Tobs a 3-2 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, controversy ensued as leadoff hitter Stephen McCray struck out swinging against Tobs reliever Steven Huff, but a passed ball by Tobs catcher Matt Zeblo put McCray on first base with nobody out. Huff was then replaced by Tobs All-Star closer Jason Sullivan to finish the ballgame. The following hitter, Herman Petzold, attempted to bunt pinch-runner Austin Smetana into scoring position, but a pitch in the dirt that briefly got away from Zeblo, saw Smetana try to take second base without the bunt. Zeblo quickly gathered the ball and fired to second base, and despite looking as if Smetana had gotten to the bag before the Tag of Matt Johns, base umpire Corey Mattea called Smetana out at second, prompting an argument from RedWolves head coach Wes Davis, ultimately resulting in his ejection from the contest. The call would prove to be costly as the next pitch to Petzold was grounded up-the-middle and into centerfield for a base hit, which likely would have scored Smetana and tied the ballgame. Sullivan then induced a pair of fielder’s choice groundouts to end the ballgame.

Tobs starter Tim Adleman settled down nicely after a rough first two innings to pitch six innings allowing only two runs. Huff (1-2) came out of the Tobs bullpen in the seventh, and pitched two effective innings to pick up the win, his first for the Wilson Tobs. Haselden picked up a no-decision as well going eight innings allowing two runs and striking out nine. Steven Neff (0-3) picked up the loss for Florence, his third of the season. Jason Sullivan came on in the ninth to pick up his tenth save of the season.

The Tobs return home to face Florence again in the second half of a home and home series on Saturday, July 25 beginning at 7:05pm. The Tobs will be celebrating Miller Lite Night at the ballpark. 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