Fayetteville Overcomes Florence, 4-2, Claims Sole Possession of First Place
Published on June 28, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Fayetteville SwampDogs News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Red Sox beat the Yankees in the playoffs. Navy defeated Notre Dame in college football. Maybe someday, Clemson will win a college basketball game at North Carolina. For now, cross off "Fayetteville SwampDogs beat Florence RedWolves" from the list of things you'd never thought you'd hear.
Behind timely hitting in the eighth inning and four Florence errors, the SwampDogs defeated the RedWolves for the first time this season, 4-2 on Tuesday night at American Legion Stadium, giving Fayetteville (16-10) sole possession of first place in the CPL South with just two days remaining in the first half of the season.
Tied at 2 in the eighth, Eric Grabe began the rally by reaching on an error by reliever Walker McKinvin (2-1). After a single from John Hogan that skipped over the head of shortstop Michael Wilson, Cody Davis executed a perfect sacrifice. Dylan Brown then singled over the drawn-in infield to give the SwampDogs their first lead of the game, and Billy Urban followed with an infield single to plate an insurance run.
Brandon Huffman (1-0) threw four scoreless innings, retiring 12 of the 14 batters he faced to earn the victory. Huffman struck out four in relief of Josh Elmore, who allowed just one hit - a two-run homerun to Tony Micklon - in three innings and took a no-decision.
Cory Kent and Cody Davis pitched a perfect eighth and ninth, respectively, to shut down the RedWolves potent offense and seal the win. Florence fell to 15-11 with the loss.
Along with being the first win of the year against the RedWolves, it's also just the second win in 14 trips to Florence in the last three years for the SwampDogs. Fayetteville is now just 7-22 in Florence and 21-37 overall against the RedWolves under Darrell Handelsman.
But just like Bucky Dent, Joe Montana, and eventually Tyler Hansbrough were erased from the memory bank, so too now are the ghosts of American Legion Stadium for the Fayetteville SwampDogs.
And now they're looking at it in the rearview mirror - in first place.
The SwampDogs now head to Wilson before wrapping up the season's first half at home against Edenton on Thursday. It's the fourth annual Green Night, and the first 500 fans will receive a reusable tote bag courtesy of Fayetteville PWC, FAMPO, and Restore Warehouse. Gates open at 6 p.m., with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
Fayetteville - 0 0 0 - 0 2 0 - 0 2 0 - 4 4 0
Florence - 0 2 0 - 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 - 2 3 4
W - Brandon Huffman (1-0)
L - Walker McKinvin (0-2)
S - Cody Davis (6)
The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, entering their 11th season in the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players a 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 more than 930 alums drafted and 44 alums 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 (at cpleague).
Coastal Plain League Stories from June 28, 2011
- Peninsula Rain Interferes - Edenton Steamers
- Sharks falter late against Columbia - Wilmington Sharks
- Fayetteville Overcomes Florence, 4-2, Claims Sole Possession of First Place - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- Daredevils Fall to Tobs - Outer Banks Daredevils
- Mathews Powers Tobs past Daredevils - Wilson Tobs
- Ryan Mathews Named Rawlings Co-Hitter of the Week - Wilson Tobs
- CPL Names Players of the Week for Week 4 - Coastal Plain
- Twenty-Two CPL Alums of Florida and South Carolina Rosters in CWS Finals - Coastal Plain
- Marlins Comeback Falls Short - Morehead City Marlins
- Sharks Blow Lead, Still Win In Morehead City - Wilmington Sharks
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