Owls Ward Off the Grizzlies 6-1
June 13, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Forest City Owls News Release
Forest City, NC- The Forest City Owls put together their finest pitching performance of the season Wednesday night. Ryan Hander went the first six innings, turning in his second quality start of the year as the Owls topped the Gastonia Grizzlies 6-1. Hander scattered four hits and struck out three while not allowing a run or a walk to earn his second win in as many starts.
The Owls offense struggled early, but rallied late to give their relievers some insurance in the 8th inning. Will Chandler walked to start the inning, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and came in to score on a double by Ryan Welke. Gunnar Heidt followed with a single to chase Gastonia reliever Michael Patman from the game. Sam Kelley came in to try and slow the attack, but gave up an RBI double to Stephen Tarkenton.
After Kelley retired the next two batters, he walked Drew Reynolds to load the bases. Then, Bryan Aanderud ripped a single up the middle to score Heidt and Tarkenton. Justin Bryan singled to load the bases again, but Chandler grounded into a fielder's choice to end the inning. Bryan and Nate Chong also drove in runs for the Owls on the night. Chong's 2-for-5 performance extends his hitting streak to a team-high seven games (tied with Alex Close). Chong's hitting .500 over that time.
The Grizzlies squeezed their first run across in the 9th inning as Mason McCullough walked three of the five batters he faced to give up Gastonia's only run. After a bases loaded walk by David Reid-Foley, the Owls called on Jason Driver who retired the final two Grizzlies for his second save of the season. Emilio Pagan and Jake Padgett each threw a perfect inning in relief to earn a hold. With the win, the Owls stay a half-game in front of Asheboro for the top spot in the CPL West.
Tomorrow, Forest City welcomes the Thomasville Hi-Toms to McNair Field for the first time in 2012. That game will be the team's second Thirsty Thursday contest of the year with specials on all drinks at the concession stands. Call 828-245-0000 to order tickets or stop by the ticket booth at McNair Field.
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 51 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 June 13, 2012
- Steamers Exact Revenge On Wilson - Edenton Steamers
- Owls Ward Off the Grizzlies 6-1 - Forest City Owls
- Blowfish Win Fourth Straight - Lexington County Blowfish
- Edenton Walks Off with Win - Wilson Tobs
- Marlins Hook Pilots 5-2, Snap Skid - Morehead City Marlins
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