Marlins Stifle Sharks, Prolong Win Streak
June 11, 2011 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Morehead City Marlins News Release
Morehead City, N.C. - The Morehead City Marlins gritted their way to a 4-2 victory Saturday night, as they hosted the Wilmington Sharks. The win marks the fourth in a row for the Marlins, moving the team's win percentage up to .500, as they are 6-6 on the season.
Saturday was the 2011 debut of returning Marlin Shawn Armstrong, who posted a record of 4-3 for Morehead City last summer. Earning the win in his first start of the season, Armstrong went five innings and gave up two runs on six hits. He also struck six, but-a little shaky at points-the right-hander out of East Carolina walked five.
Morehead City's bats were hot early in the victory, as the Marlins' first baseman-designated hitter tandem was at it again. Both Zach Stephens and Chase McDonald were 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI apiece, and Stephens belted what was easily the longest home run hit at Big Rock Stadium this season. The shot led off the third inning, increasing the Marlins' lead to the eventual final score of 4-2. Jake Luce also had a big day in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 and driving in a run.
The Marlins was nothing short of suffocating down the stretch. Following Armstrong's exit, Adam Norton threw 2.1 innings, allowing zero runs on two hits and striking out three. Then, Jim Foster faced two batters, retiring both, to setup for Tyler Moore. The Appalachian State product then struck out all three batters he faced to pick up the save in the top of the ninth.
The Marlins and Sharks will meet back on Puck O'Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium to complete the weekend series on Sunday. Time Warner Cable hosts Super Duper Sunday at the park, and it will also be Consumer Concepts Marlin Koozie Night. The South division rivals will again play at 7:05 p.m., and gates will open at 6 o'clock.
The Morehead City Marlins are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season in 2011, the CPL features 15 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. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, as well as the Marlins' website at www.mhcmarlins.com. Also, be sure to friend the Marlins on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mhcmarlins and follow them via Twitter (@mcmarlins).
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Coastal Plain League Stories from June 11, 2011
- Marlins Stifle Sharks, Prolong Win Streak - Morehead City Marlins
- Hi-Toms Get the Better of Owls Again, 7-2 - Forest City Owls
- Bullpen Falters as Blowfish Blow Late Lead - Lexington County Blowfish
- Tobs Fly by Pilots - Wilson Tobs
- Fayetteville Drops Ten-Inning Thriller to Florence, 3-2 - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- HiToms down Owls, again - High Point-Thomasville HiToms
- Early runs not enough in Sharks' loss - Wilmington Sharks
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