Peninsula Rain Interferes
Published on June 28, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Edenton Steamers News Release
HAMPTON, VA - Joshua Branstetter took the mound for the Steamers and pitched 5.1 innings, allowing six hits and three runs. The Steamer offense took him off the hook in the top of the ninth putting up a five spot to give Edenton a 6-4 lead. The game was called due to rain after an hour and a half rain delay in the top of the ninth with two outs.
After a day off due to rain the Steamers traveled to Peninsula for another North Division match-up as the first half of the CPL season winds down. Joshua Branstetter made his fifth start of the season for the Steamers.
Branstetter squared off against right-handed pitcher Ben Tomchick for the Pilots. It was a scoreless affair until the bottom of the third when Peninsula's Zac Macaneny reached on an error charged to the pitcher Branstetter. A single by Ivan Hartle moved Macaneny to third base and Jake Cave brought him home to give the Pilots a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the fourth Peninsula added a run to their lead when, with one out, Tristan Moore was hit by a pitch. After an error by Joey Wendle that put runners on first and third Jake Hibberd picked up his third RBI of the season with a single and the score was 2-0 Peninsula.
Edenton cut the lead in half in the top of the sixth. Brett Christopher reached on an infield single to begin the inning. Christopher stole second base and moved to third on a throwing error by the catcher Chris Cowell. Ryan Brenner followed up with a walk and was thrown out trying to steal second base. Joey Wendle came up with his 11 game hitting streak on the line. Wendle delivered with an RBI single to put the Steamers on the board and cut the lead to 2-1.
In the bottom of the sixth Peninsula's Chas Crane singled and was thrown out trying to steal second base. Tristan Moore was then walked and came home an RBI ground rule double to increase the Pilot lead to 3-1.
Peninsula added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth when Cowell walked to begin the inning, Chas Crane reached on an infield single and after a sacrifice bunt Phil Ruzbarsky walked to load the bases. Jake Hibberd was then hit by a pitch from David Teasley to push home the fourth run for Peninsula and increase the lead to 4-1.
In the top of the ninth the Steamers, trailing 4-1 got a one out walk from Nick Gaeta. Three infield singles in a row from Mejia, Saunders and then Christopher to bring home one run and make the score 4-2 Pilots. Joey Wendle reached on an error to score a run and cut the Pilot lead to 4-3. With two outs Adam Giacalone crushed a double off the wall to deep right field that cleared the bases and gave the Steamers the 6-4 lead.
As the ball came back into the infield the rain that had held off all night began to fall and fall heavily. The game was called due to rain with Zach Stewart at bat and Giacalone at second base with the Steamers in the lead 6-4.
Branstetter did not survive the bottom of the sixth inning for the Steamers. He threw 5.1 innings allowing six hits and three runs (one earned); he walked two and struck out five. Branstetter earned a no decision for his efforts. His offense got him off the hook in the ninth.
Tomchick pitched 5.1 innings in the winning effort, allowing one run (unearned), three hits; he walked three and struck out seven. For his effort Tomchick was rewarded with a no decision after the Steamers plated five runs in the top of the ninth to take a 6-4 lead.
The Edenton Steamers compete during the summer at Historic Hicks Field in downtown Historic Edenton, North Carolina. Heading into 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 wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. 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 Web site at http://www.coastalplain.com. For more information on the Edenton Steamers, please visit the team website at http://www.edentonsteamers.com.
Coastal Plain League Stories from June 28, 2011
- Peninsula Rain Interferes - Edenton Steamers
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- Daredevils Fall to Tobs - Outer Banks Daredevils
- Mathews Powers Tobs past Daredevils - Wilson Tobs
- Ryan Mathews Named Rawlings Co-Hitter of the Week - Wilson Tobs
- CPL Names Players of the Week for Week 4 - Coastal Plain
- Twenty-Two CPL Alums of Florida and South Carolina Rosters in CWS Finals - Coastal Plain
- Marlins Comeback Falls Short - Morehead City Marlins
- Sharks Blow Lead, Still Win In Morehead City - Wilmington Sharks
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