RedWolves Corral Mustangs, 7-6
May 29, 2015 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Florence RedWolves News Release
FLORENCE, S.C.- On May 28th, the (0-1) Martinsville Mustangs trotted into Sparrow Stadium to take on the (1-1) Florence RedWolves at Cormell Field, though were reigned to a halt just in time, as Florence would go on to defeat the Martinsville Mustangs by a score of 7-to-6.
The RedWolves got things started off early with two runs in the first. Demetrius Jennings (Wofford) led the inning off with a walk; Stephen Nalls (Methodist) would get a sacrifice bunt down moving Jennings into scoring position. The Florence three-hole hitter, Ben Holland (Lee University) sent a line shot into right field scoring Jennings for the first run of the contest. Chaz Pal of USC-Aiken would be the next batter to reach base, as he was hit by a pitch. Nathan Wierzgac (Lee University) would reach first on a 4-6 fielder's choice, putting runners on the corners for, Jordan Gore (University of South Carolina), who would be walked to load the bases. The RedWolves designated hitter, Ray Lanners (Methodist), collected his RBI single and the second run of the inning scoring Holland from third.
Both teams were held steady for a couple of innings, until Florence was able to score two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Holland opened up the frame with a howling line drive sent into deep left field for a leadoff double. Pal, would then follow with an RBI triple, on a sliding miss from Martinsville's center fielder, Jawan McAllister (Pittsburgh). Wierzgac was plunked, sending him on first, which lead to a Jordan Gore RBI, on a 4-6 fielder's choice.
The Mustangs answered right back with two of their own, in the top half of the sixth. Kyle Wrighte (William & Mary) began the inning with a single to right field, advanced to second on a wild pitch, advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher, and was brought home by a balk. Christian Hollie (UT-Arlington) walked, stole second, leading to another walk issued to Johnathan Pryor (Wake Forest). Matt Poland of Dayton University would ground out right back to the pitcher, but would advance both runners into scoring position. Justin Dattilo grounded out to the shortstop, though would bring home Hollie on the play.
Florence added one back to their lead in the bottom of the sixth, as Nalls reached on an error by the third baseman, and advancing to second on the throw. RedWolves first baseman, Ben Holland sent another double down the left field line, this time scoring Nalls from second.
Heading into to the top of the seventh the RedWolves had the 5-to-2 advantage. Martinsville scored one more to bring their deficit to just two runs. McAllister reached first on an infield single to short and was sacrificed over to second by Joey Vecchione (Richmond). McAllister took third on a stolen base and scored on an RBI ground out, off the bat of Reginald Johnson (Hampden-Sydney).
The RedWolves put two more runs on the board in the bottom of the eighth, which proved to be the difference in the end. Jennings drew the third hit-by-pitch of the night, and was then sacrificed over to second by pinch hitter, Colin Ford (Methodist). Ben Holland collected yet another RBI on the night, as he grounded out to the second baseman, scoring Jennings from second on the play. Chaz Pal followed with a double down the left field line, stole third and was able to score as the catcher's throw went sailing into left.
Florence tried to give it away in the top of the ninth, as the Mustangs plated three, coming up just one shy of the tie. McAllister was walked to begin the inning, followed by a Vecchione single. Both runners would move up a base on a passed ball, putting them on second and third for Johnson. Reginald was able to record an RBI, hitting a sacrifice fly in to center, advancing both runners. Vecchione on third and just one out, Wrighte RBI singled up the middle to make it a 7-5 ballgame. Wrighte would advance on another wild pitch, leading to a walks issued to Hollie and Poland. With the bases loaded and two outs, Dattilo hit a ground ball to the Florence shortstop, Jordan Gore, but was bobbled, allowing all runners to be safe, scoring Wrighte from third. Joey Thomas of Cincinnati ended the game grounding out to second.
The RedWolves went on to beat the Mustangs 7-to-6.
The starter for Florence on Thursday night was Francis Marion University's, left-hander Daniel Barfield. He threw five strong innings, earning himself a win; giving up two runs, one earned, on two hits, three walks and four strikeouts. Barfield is now (1-0) on the season.
Allen Tokarz (Piedmont College) came on in relief of Barfield starting in the sixth. He went three and a third, giving up four runs, two earned, on four hits, three walks, and three strikeouts.
Brett Porter was able to come in and get the save, getting the last two outs in the ninth, just giving up a walk.
Martinsville's starter, Justin Ward (Norfolk-State) picked up his first loss of the season, moving him to (0-1). Ward threw five complete innings surrendering four runs off of five hits, five walks and a strikeout.
Zach Williams (Bellarmine) came on for two innings of relief work, giving up a run, one hit, no walks and two strikeouts.
Donald Frew (Young Harris College) pitched the eighth for the Mustangs, giving up two runs, one earned, off of one hit, and two walks.
The RedWolves improve to (2-1) on the season and in the Western Division.
Martinsville now moves to (0-2).
The Florence RedWolves will be on the road to Forest City Friday, to take on the Owls, but will be back home on Saturday, to take on the Asheboro Copperheads. It'll be fan giveaway night, as the first 500 fans through the gates will receive a fan to keep them cool this season, presented by Blacks Tire and Auto Service of Florence. Gates open at 6:00pm and first pitch is set for 7:00pm.
Tickets may be purchased online (florenceredwolves.com), by phone at (843) 629-0700, or at the ticket booth on game days, starting an hour before game time.
SAME DAY ONLINE TICKET PURCHASES MUST BE MADE BEFORE 2:00PM- All tickets can be picked up at the RedWolves ticket booth on game day.
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