Sharks Down Pilots 13-7
July 24, 2015 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilmington Sharks News Release
Hampton, VA - The bats were active early and often as the Wilmington Sharks (24-21) used 9 runs across the first 4 innings and a 4 run 9th to defeat the Peninsula Pilots (23-21) on Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton VA. The Sharks have won three straight games and continue their playoff push.
Caleb Johnson earned the win, tossing five innings, allowing a single run on five hits while striking out two and walking two. Johnson worked with a comfortable lead as the bats were working early.
Nick Rotola singled on the first pitch of the game, and then Brett Smith drew a walk immediately afterwards. Sam Foy's single loaded the bases for Kyle Nowlin, who knocked a single to score two. The bats stayed hot in the second as the Sharks scored 4 runs on walks issued to Andy Austin and another to Brett Smith. Sam Foy's triple would score them both. Nowlin knocked in Foy with another single, and Alex Destino's double cleared the bases.
Destino's homerun in the fourth inning was his 5th of the summer and extended Wilmington's lead to 8-0. Peninsula scratched first in the fourth inning with a lone run. The score would remain 8-1 until the 8th inning, when Peninsula brought in 3 on 3 straight hits.
Wilmington tacked insurance runs to cushion their lead in the 9th. A double by Jose Hernandez got the ball rolling for the Sharks. A walk, fielder's choice, two errors, a Nick Rotola double, and Sam Foy's sacrifice fly would bring in 4 runs.
Foy finished the night 3-5 with a triple and 3 RBIs, while Nowlin finished 2-6 with 3 RBIs. The past two games, the two are a combined 9-19 with 21 total bases, 12 RBIs and 7 scored runs.
Peninsula used five hits and one Sharks error to bring in six runs across the 8th and 9th innings, but it wouldn't be enough. Andrew Locklear, Jack Metcalf, Kevin Boswick, and Evan Brabrand worked in relief of Johnson.
Wilmington takes their winning streak to Edenton to be hosted by the Steamers before returning home on Monday for a date with the Gastonia Grizzlies. For tickets, call 910-343-5621 or visit www.wilmingtonsharks.com.
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Coastal Plain League Stories from July 24, 2015
- Sharks Down Pilots 13-7 - Wilmington Sharks
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