Marlins Win Exhibition against Morehead City Senior American Legion
May 26, 2014 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Morehead City Marlins News Release
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.- Six Marlins pitchers combined to allow just two runs on four hits as the Morehead City Marlins emerged victorious over the Morehead City Senior American Legion team in Monday's Memorial Day, seven-inning exhibition game at Big Rock Stadium.
Whitman Barnes, who grew up in New Bern just 30 miles from Morehead City, led the charge on the hill, tossing two innings, allowing just one hit and striking out five batters while recording the win.
"It felt really good to get out there," Barnes said. "My arm felt great and I'm glad to be able to compete."
Scott Edge, Casey Eskew, Matt Tindall, Denis Buckley and Tyler Burden all threw an inning apiece and combined to allow just two runs (one earned) on three hits in their six innings of work. They struck out nine batters in addition to Barnes' five.
"I think the thing that stood out was the amount of strikes being thrown, the command of various pitches," said Marlins head coach Sam Carel. "You had some guys come in with some very good two-seamers who were able to command their off-speed stuff, and I think when you have that combination this early in the year it always gives you an opportunity for a quality outcome."
"Once everybody is here, I think our pitching is going to be really good and I think we are going to be a good team," Barnes added. It's going to be a fun summer."
The Marlins' big inning at the plate came in the fifth, after Kansas City Community College catcher Garrett McKinzie led off the inning with a base hit against starter Josh Little. Little was able to retire Manny Pazos and Sam Delaplane on grounders to short, but consecutive two-out walks loaded the bases for Burden. Michael Tyndall came on in relief to face Burden, but promptly surrendered a two-RBI double down the line in right. The Marlins scored another run in the inning, taking a 4-1 lead which proved to be enough.
Burden finished the game 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a stolen base, while McKinzie reached base three times with a single and two walks and scored a run. Rickey Negron also walked twice and doubled once in two at bats.
Monday's game marked the first time this season the Marlins got together to play as a team, which was an important thing to do prior to Tuesday's season opener in Fayetteville.
"Having never really done an exhibition before a season, it turned out better than I had even anticipated," Carel said. "It was very good to be able to do that for all the guys to get together, have fun and get to know each other."
The Marlins will have a quick transition from exhibition to regular season, as they open up their 2014 campaign Tuesday evening at 7:05 against the Fayetteville Swampdogs. They will return home on Wednesday for the home opener at Big Rock Stadium, which will feature a celebration for the team's fifth anniversary, and special deals such as $5 dollar tickets. Game time on Wednesday is also at 7:05.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 18th season in 2014, 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 1,100 alumni drafted and 65 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 26, 2014
- Marlins Win Exhibition against Morehead City Senior American Legion - Morehead City Marlins
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