Fayetteville Rallies with Four-Run Ninth to Capture Season Opener
Published on May 31, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Fayetteville SwampDogs News Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. - The Fayetteville SwampDogs used a fun-run rally with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to claim the opener of the 2011 season Tuesday night, a 6-4 win over the Wilmington Sharks at Buck Hardee Field.
The Sharks scored four runs in the first inning on just one hit to put Fayetteville (1-0) in an early hole, but the SwampDogs rallied against Sharks reliever Josh Powell in the ninth. Danny Gesick started the rally with a two out double, followed by an RBI double from catcher Sal Giardina. After advancing to third on a throwing error from Powell, Giardina scored the tying run on an infield single from shortstop Brendan McGaheran.
McGaheran then scored the eventual winning run on a single from second baseman Nick Crucet. Crucet finished the day 1-for-3 with an RBI, two walks, and three runs scored. Centerfielder Cody Davis also drove in a run for Fayetteville, finishing 3-for-6 at the plate with two doubles.
Sharks reliever Josh Powell got the first two outs in the ninth, but allowed four straight hits and all four runs - three earned - to take the loss for Wilmington (0-1). Fayetteville lefthander Michael Anarumo pitched two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win for the SwampDogs.
Lefthander Mark Kuzma went five innings in his first start as a SwampDog. The junior from Le Moyne gave up just two hits and struck out four, but allowed four walks and hit two batters en route to the no decision.
Reliever Derek Brooks threw two scoreless innings of relief to keep the game within striking distance before handing the ball to Anarumo. The latter was helped out in the eighth inning when SwampDogs rightfielder Danny Gesick threw out Ricardo Lizcano of the Sharks at the plate to prevent a run.
The SwampDogs struggled to score early, loading the bases in both the third and fourth innings. The SwampDogs managed just one run in those two innings, a sacrifice fly by Eric Grabe in the third. Grabe went 2-for-4 with one RBI in his third opening day.
The SwampDogs left a total of 14 runners on base, but came through in the ninth with enough key hits to secure the victory.
The SwampDogs return to The Swamp for their home opener on Wednesday evening. Gates open at 6 p.m., with game time set for 7:05 p.m. at J.P. Riddle Stadium.
Coastal Plain League Stories from May 31, 2011
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- Big Inning Cost HiToms in Season Opener - High Point-Thomasville HiToms
- Fayetteville Rallies with Four-Run Ninth to Capture Season Opener - Fayetteville SwampDogs
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