RedWolves Split I-95 Challenge with SwampDogs
June 21, 2015 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Florence RedWolves News Release
FLORENCE, SC - On Friday night, Mother Nature weighed down heavily in Fayetteville causing the game to be suspended, setting up a double header in Florence on Saturday night. Fortunately for the RedWolves, they were able to split the series with the SwampDogs, to stay in first place (Western Division) by one game. The SwampDogs took care of business in the first game 10-7, and Florence was able to fight back the second game with a 4-1 victory.
After what was almost a 24-hour first inning, the (13-6) Florence RedWolves were able to resume their previously started game from Friday night. Fayetteville (8-8) had gotten the best of Luke Humphreys (Morehead State) in the first inning, as he gave up four runs on four hits in just a third of an inning.
Play resumed in Florence as Tanner Woods (Chowan) stood at the plate with a 2-0 count with a runner at third. Florence brought in right-hander, Zac Burke (Francis Marion) to "start" the night at Sparrow Stadium; going on to surrender four more runs on two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts.
The RedWolves would be held hitless deep into the ball game, as Nick Miceli (Wesleyan) and Zach McKay (Citadel), worked a combined seven innings sitting down the Florence offence in order.
In the eighth inning however, Fayetteville went to Michael Deese (Citadel), who gave up five runs in the top of the eighth, bringing Florence within three. Deese worked just the eighth, five runs (one earned) on five hits, no walks, and a strike out.
The SwampDogs were able to scratch across two more in the bottom of the inning to extend their lead, 10-5.
The RedWolves attempted to come back scoring two runs, but with two runners on and two outs in the top of the ninth, representing the tying run, Kolin McMillen (Flagler College) grounded out to third to end the game. This gave Fayetteville game one of the double header, 10-7.
In game two of the double-header, the RedWolves were able to even up the series at one each, beating the SwampDogs with tremendous pitching by left-hander, Michael Maiocco (Flagler College) and a well played bottom of the sixth, 4-1.
The RedWolves took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second which was started off by Adam Renwick (Clemson) being struck in the side with a pitch. Matt Williams (University of South Carolina) moved Renwick over with a sac-bunt for the first out. Nathan Wierzgac (Lee University) singled into right, putting runners on the corners for Kent Rollins (Georgia Southern). Head Coach, Blake Maxwell called on the safety squeeze play, and Rollins laid down the perfect bunt. Just in between the pitcher and catcher, Renwick raced to the plate to just beat the throw home for the 1-2 FC, allowing everyone to be safe. Florence took the 1-0 lead stretching into the top of the fifth.
In the top of the fifth, Mitchell Roman (Wright State) reached first on a high throw over to first from Maiocco. Roman then stole second and third with one out, and then scored on an RBI groundout to second tying the game at 1-1.
Michael Maiocco held Fayetteville to just one run while in command on the hill, going six innings, one run (unearned), on three hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts.
Florence added on three more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth, which secured their victory. Renwick got things going with a one-out single to right. Matt Williams singled down the left field line, and advanced to second, as Renwick was safe at third on the throw. Wierzgac drew a walk to load the bases for Kent Rollins.
Rollins was able to score Renwick from third (2-1) with a sac-fly to center field, and the other runners advanced 90 feet as the center fielder dropped the ball on the transfer. Then with both Williams and Wierzgac in scoring position, Chris Adams (Lee University) singled to center, scoring both runners; Wierzgac ran right through Maxwell's stop sign at third and kept on going, giving the RedWolves a 4-1 lead.
Tyler Keele (Morehead State) closed it out in the bottom of the seventh tallying two more strikeouts on the season and picking up his fifth save.
Maiocco improves to (2-1) on the season with his win.
Fayetteville's, Kent Williams (Indiana) moves to (0-2) on the season, as he was responsible for all the damage done in the bottom of the sixth.
Florence will remain a game a head of Gastonia in the western standings, as they move to (14-7) on the season.
The RedWolves will be back at home, for yet another double-header, on Monday June 22nd. Gates open at five and first pitch is set for six as the game will resume in the fourth inning.
Coastal Plain League Stories from June 21, 2015
- Marlins Silence Sharks - Wilmington Sharks
- Dogs Dug by Steamers in Extras - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- RedWolves Split I-95 Challenge with SwampDogs - Florence RedWolves
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
