Power Surge, Win Streak Both Continue
July 15, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilmington Sharks News Release
Wilmington, N.C. - To understand the historical significance of Sunday night's win, one must look beyond the simple record of the Wilmington Sharks (7-3, 23-14) after their seemingly pedestrian 5-2 decision over the Morehead City Marlins (3-10, 13-27).
The win marked the fifth in a row for Wilmington, the club's longest streak of victory since an eight game stretch in 2005. It was also the sixth straight home win, matching the longest streak at Buck Hardee Field since records became available in 2001. The only other time the Sharks won six straight at home in a single year was the final six games of the 2007 season.
Following Saturday night's unexpected show of power, the Sharks again clubbed five extra base hits en route to their win. One of those was a three-run home run off the bat of Grayson Atwood that hit the scoreboard in left field in the fifth inning. That was the frame in which most of the damage was done, as Zach Stephens had already doubled then scored on a wild pitch before the home run.
Stephens also doubled in the sixth inning and scored on a two-bagger by Alex Freedman. Atwood was also responsible for the other double, though he was thrown out trying to stretch the hit to a triple in the third.
Each of the two runs scored by the Marlins were by runners who reached on walks issued by Sharks starter Blaze Tart. One was in the fourth and the other in the fifth, the only frames in which the visitors truly showed an offensive threat.
Tart finished his seventh start of the summer with a no-decision, lasting four innings plus two batters in the fifth. One of the runners inherited by Stephen Vaughan would score and be charged to Tart, who also allowed two hits and five total walks with five strikeouts. Vaughan was credited with the win, while Brockett picked up the save.
The Sharks continue a four game home stand on Monday night against the Peninsula Pilots. For more on the Sharks, visit wilmingtonsharks.com, add Sharky Sharks on Facebook and follow @ILMSharks on Twitter.
Coastal Plain League Stories from July 15, 2012
- Late Home Run Drowns Clams - Edenton Steamers
- Marlins Drop 5-2 Decision at Wilmington - Morehead City Marlins
- Power Surge, Win Streak Both Continue - Wilmington Sharks
- Tufo an All-Star - Fayetteville SwampDogs
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