Marlins Drop Season Opener, 4-3 in Fayetteville
Published on May 28, 2013 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Morehead City Marlins News Release
Morehead City, N.C. - A late rally from the Morehead City offense wasn't enough as the Fayetteville Swampdogs spoiled the Marlins season opener with a 4-3 victory at J.P. Riddle Stadium in Fayetteville, N.C.
The Marlins struck first in the top half of the first inning on an RBI single through the left side of the infield by designated hitter, Dalton Knight. However, the Swampdogs wasted no time knotting the score at 1-1 as they cashed in on a bloop single of their own off the bat of Mitchell Kranson.
Morehead City took a 2-1 lead in the top half of the second when Bill Little scored on a Fayetteville throwing error. The Marlins failed to cash in another run in the second as Fayetteville starting pitcher Ethan Striz got out of the jam when Sam Ott grounded out to second base to end the inning.
The Swampdogs struck back in the bottom half of the fifth. Chase Rader started a two out rally and Kevin Kean and Mitchell Kranson roped back to back RBI singles to give Fayetteville the 3-2 lead after five innings of play.
Fayetteville added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth when Ryan Busch found the right centerfield gap for an RBI double, making it a 4-2 ballgame in favor of the Swampdogs.
Knight continued his strong night for the Marlins with an RBI single to left in the top half of the ninth. However, it was too little too late for the Marlins as the Swampdogs hung on for a 4-3 lead in the season opener. Ben Burns got the win for the Swampdogs, while Justin Taylor suffered the loss for the Marlins.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 17th season in 2013, the CPL features 14 teams playing 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 57 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 CPLBaseball).
Coastal Plain League Stories from May 28, 2013
- SwampDogs Sparkle in Season Opener - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- Marlins Drop Season Opener, 4-3 in Fayetteville - Morehead City Marlins
- Sharks Open 2013 Season with Shutout Win - Wilmington Sharks
- Tobs Roll Steamers - Edenton Steamers
- Sharks Open Up Season On the Road - Wilmington Sharks
- Sharks Sign Two College Athletes - Wilmington Sharks
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