Owls Stumble vs. Petersburg, 2-0
June 27, 2011 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Forest City Owls News Release
FOREST CITY, N.C. - The Petersburg Generals entered McNair Field with the CPL's worst record. However, thanks to a monstrous pitching effort and timely hitting, the Generals defeated the West Division-leading Forest City Owls, 2-0. The Owls fall to 16-10, while the Generals climb to 4-21. Forest City maintains a half-game lead over idle Asheboro in the West Division standings.
Both starting pitchers turned in gallant performances. Forest City's D.J. Thomas went nine innings, the second Owl to do so this season. The N.C. State freshman did not allow a run and surrendered just five hits, striking out three batters and issuing three walks. Petersburg's Alex Borgan was equally as impressive, tossing 7 1/3 innings without allowing a run, permitting just two hits, striking out seven batters and walking six.
The bats were nearly silent for both teams. Petersburg recorded eight hits, while the Owls could only squeeze out three hits. The Owls didn't even muster a hit until SS Reed Harper smacked a double in the fourth inning. Neither team was able to get on the board until the top of the 12th inning.
With Ryan Tezak on the mound for Forest City, Generals catcher Jorge Saez drove a double off the left-center wall for a leadoff double to kickstart the 12th inning. A couple at-bats later, 2B Austin McGowan walked, putting runners on first and second. 3B Nick McQuail provided the death knell. McQuail blooped a single into center field, allowing Saez to score from second. Owls CF Buddy Sosnoskie's throw home sailed over catcher Craig Manuel, allowing McGowan to scamper home.
The Owls were able to load the bases with two outs in the bottom of the 12th inning. However, Sosnoskie grounded out to second, sealing the victory for Petersburg. Generals reliever Rick Teasley earned his second win of the season after pitching 4 1/3 innings. Tezak took his first loss of the season. John Hamilton, who induced the final out, earned his first save of the season.
McQuail and Tony Montalbano each had a pair of hits for Petersburg. Sosnoskie, Harper, and pinch hitter Jordan Betts were the only Owls to record a hit.
The Owls return to action tomorrow night, when they travel to Sims Legion Park to take on the Gastonia Grizzlies. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
The Forest City Owls are a member of the Coastal Plain League, entering their 15th season in the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season, the Coastal Plain League 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. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 930 alumni drafted and 44 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as cpleague).
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Coastal Plain League Stories from June 27, 2011
- Owls Stumble vs. Petersburg, 2-0 - Forest City Owls
- Fayetteville Moves into First Place Tie with 8-6 Win Over Columbia - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- Tobs Undone by Four Errors in 11-8 Loss to Pilots - Wilson Tobs
- Grizzlies Set for Team USA Baseball - Gastonia Grizzlies
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