Owls Hang On to Force Game 3
August 5, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Forest City Owls News Release
Forest City, NC - Redemption is one the best storylines in sports. That was never more true for Owls closer Jake Padgett on Sunday night. With his team clinging to a one run lead entering the 9th inning, Forest City called on Padgett the night after he surrendered the winning run in a crushing 14-inning loss in Game 1 of the best-of-three series against the Asheboro Copperheads.
This time, however, Padgett came through and held on for a 7-6 win, forcing a deciding Game 3 between the two teams at McNair Field tomorrow night. The save didn't come without its fair share of tests though. Luke Tendler, who doubled and scored the winning run off Padgett last night, led off the 9th with a single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Tendler moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and nearly had an opportunity to score on a few pitches in the dirt. Every one of them was blocked by Mark Lindsay and Padgett struck out Ford Wilson and got Joe Perez to ground out to end the game.
Alex Close smashed a two-run homer to centerfield in the bottom of the 7th inning. Will Chandler followed with a double and scored on a single by Luke Tollison and a throwing error by Caleb Cole to put Forest City up 7-4 in the bottom of the 7th inning. Asheboro rallied right back, scoring two runs off Hunter Privette in the top of the 8th. Tendler's fielder's choice groundout put the game in doubt, tying things up at 4-4 in the top of the 7th.
The Owls took an early edge, jumping out to a 4-1 lead after the 3rd inning. Close and Chandler each came up with two-out, RBI hits in the 1st inning. Then, Nate Chong smacked a two-run double with the bases loaded in the 3rd inning. Jared Hammer drove in a run in the 1st and two more in the 5th inning to keep Asheboro close. Ryan Tezak struck out seven batters, but was left with a no decision after the Copperheads scored the tying run in the 7th. Adam Westmoreland picked up his first win in relief for the Owls.
The Copperheads will try to close out Forest City tomorrow at McNair Field. The game will start at 7:05 PM. Call 828-245-0000 to order tickets or stop by the ticket booth at McNair Field. If you can't make it in person, you can listen to the action live via WebPass through the Coastal Plain League website at www.coastalplain.com.
The Forest City Owls are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season in 2012, the CPL features 14 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. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 1,000 alumni drafted and 53 alums 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 (@cpleague).
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Coastal Plain League Stories from August 5, 2012
- Steamers Sweep Mustangs - Edenton Steamers
- Owls Hang On to Force Game 3 - Forest City Owls
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- Blowfish Top Sharks Advance to Second Round of Playoffs - Lexington County Blowfish
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