Marlins Held to One Hit by Sharks

May 31, 2014 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Morehead City Marlins News Release


WILMINGTON, N.C.- The Morehead City Marlins gave up four runs early and managed just one hit as they were shutout by the Wilmington Sharks, dropping to 0-5 to start the 2014 season.

For the fourth straight game the Marlins allowed the opposition to take a lead within the first two innings, this time spotting the Sharks a four run lead by the end of two frames.

"It doesn't matter what level you play at," said Marlins head coach Sam Carel. "[Limiting those early runs] is something you would like to see."

The damage all came in that second inning, during which the Sharks batted around, scoring four times on three hits, a couple of walks and a sacrifice fly. Nathan Becker led of the inning with a single, and a walk to Cameron McRae followed, setting up the big inning for Wilmington which included a two-RBI single from third baseman Steven Linkous.

Davis Kirkpatrick, making his first start of the season for Morehead City lasted four innings, giving up those four runs on six hits while walking three. It's the fourth straight game Morehead City's starter has lasted four innings or less.

Left-handed pitcher Adam Aldred, from Central Michigan also made his Marlins' debut on Saturday, coming on in relief in the fifth inning. He pitched the fifth and sixth innings, allowing a run on three hits.

Joe O'Donnell, meanwhile, was very sharp for the Sharks. One day after the Marlins found their offensive touch, scoring six runs on 11 hits, they were held to just one hit over the first five innings by O'Donnell - a one out single from Quincy Nieporte all the way back in the first. O'Donnell lasted seven strong innings, retiring 19 straight hitters after Nieporte's single to finish his outing. He faced just one over the minimum as the marlins were one-hit for the second time in the young season.

"His slider was good, he got first pitch strikes and he was able to keep the ball down," Carel said. "You always hope that [the offense can carry over from the previous game]. I liked our approach, [but] their guy was just really good sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other guy."

The Marlins will have an off day on Sunday, and then will resume action on Monday on the road against Edenton for a 7:05 game against the Steamers.



Coastal Plain League Stories from May 31, 2014


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