Dogs Advance to Round Two of Playoffs
August 5, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Fayetteville SwampDogs News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville SwampDogs defeated the Peninsula Pilots, 8-2, on Sunday night, sweeping the first round of the 2012 Petitt Cup Playoffs as they advanced to round two.ÃÂ
Fayetteville's pitching was sensational, as the Pilots managed just two hits in the game. Starter Layne Somsen (South Dakota State) picked up the win, as he struck out eight Pilots in six innings of work on the hill. The dynamic duo of James Simmons and Tyler Brunnemann, both from Hardin-Simmons, proved lethal once again out of the bullpen, as they combined for a perfect three innings of relief. Simmons retired all thirteen Pilots he faced in the series, while Brunnemann picked up two saves, with five of his six outs going down as strikeouts.
The Dogs trailed 2-0 entering the fifth inning of play, but the team rallied for four two-out runs to secure a two-run advantage. Joe Ciamacco (Ohio State) walked, and All-Stars Mike Tauchman (Bradley) and Reed Harper (Austin Peay) both singled to load the bases. Tyler Ding (Tampa) ripped a base hit to score two runs and knot the game at two runs apiece. Sal Giardina (Lynn) followed Ding with a base hit of his own to score Harper from third, as the Dogs took their first lead of the ball game. Ding would score on a wild pitch to make it 4-2 Dogs after five innings of play. Five straight Dogs reached base with two outs during the rally.
Fayetteville recorded another four-run outburst in the seventh frame, as sloppy defense by Peninsula allowed the Dogs to extend their lead to 8-2. After a one-out walk to Giardina, Blake Beemer (Ball State) reached on an error. Andrew Parker (Towson) singled to load the bases for Connor Obrochta (Tampa), who ripped a ground ball to third base. The Pilots third baseman attempted to start a double play at home, but his throw got away from the catcher, allowing Giardina and Beemer to score on the play. With the infield drawn in with runners on second and third, Ciamacco delivered a base hit up the middle to make it 8-2 SwampDogs after seven complete frames.
That advantage was more than enough for the SwampDogs' bullpen, as they sealed the series sweep.
The SwampDogs will not play again until Wednesday night, and will host another home game on Thursday evening at 7:05pm. If Forest City defeats Asheboro tomorrow night, the Dogs will take on the Owls in Forest City on Wednesday for game one. If Asheboro wins, Fayetteville will take on the Blowfish in Columbia on Wednesday.ÃÂ
For playoff tickets, visit or call the business office at (910)-426-5900, and for updated playoff information log on to www.goswampdogs.com.
The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season in 2012, the CPL 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. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 1,000 alumni drafted and 53 alums - including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander - make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as cpleague).
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Coastal Plain League Stories from August 5, 2012
- Steamers Sweep Mustangs - Edenton Steamers
- Owls Hang On to Force Game 3 - Forest City Owls
- Dogs Advance to Round Two of Playoffs - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- Blowfish Top Sharks Advance to Second Round of Playoffs - Lexington County Blowfish
- Edenton Tames Mustangs - Edenton Steamers
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