Owls Squeak Past Hi-Toms, 4-3
July 24, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Forest City Owls News Release
Forest City, NC- The Forest City Owls picked up some much-needed luck and made some of their own breaks, beating the Thomasville Hi-Toms 4-3 on Tuesday night. Bryan Aanderud blasted his third home run of the year, and the Owls held on after taking a 4-0 lead on Michael Suk through two innings at McNair Field.
Gunnar Heidt led off the bottom of the 1st inning with a bloop single to left field. Nick McQuail then lined a base hit up the middle that got under the glove of centerfielder T.J. Costen, allowing Heidt to score and McQuail to advance to third. Nate Chong scored McQuail with a sacrifice fly to put Forest City up 2-0.
Aanderud led off the second inning with his third home run of the year, one more than he had in 60 games with Liberty during the college season. Luke Tollison singled before Suk retired the next two batters. Heidt kept the inning going with a walk, putting runners at first and third. McQuail dropped down a surprise bunt single to score Tollison, making it 4-0 Owls after two innings.
Ryan Hander gave up a home run to Aaron Attaway in the 4th inning, but otherwise cruised until the 6th. After retiring the first two batters in the 6th inning, Hander surrendered a two-out walk, followed by three consecutive singles to bring Thomasville back within a run.
The Hi-Toms had the opportunity to tie the game in the 7th inning against Owls' reliever Jason Driver. Thomasville loaded the bases with one out when Greg Harrison hit a ball to right field. Costen didn't get a good look at the ball from third base and was forced out at home plate. Then, Attaway flied out to end the threat. Hunter Privette and Jake Padgett each pitched a perfect inning, with Padgett earning his 8th save to close out the win.
The Owls continue the mini-homestand tomorrow against the Gastonia Grizzlies. One more win against its sister team and Forest City will clinch the Silver Cup. 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 July 24, 2012
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