Sharks falter late against Columbia
Published on June 28, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilmington Sharks News Release
Mat Batts can't buy a win. The Sharks (11-15) starting pitcher came into the game Tuesday night with two tough-luck loses, and after looking like he would buck that trend against the Columbia Blowfish (8-17), the visitors scored twice in the eighth to steal a 3-2 win in CPL South Division action.
Batts' final statline gave off an eight inning effort that allowed seven hits and three runs - only one of which was earned - and eight strikeouts.
With the Sharks holding a one-run advantage in the top of the eighth, with Columbia's Tyler Jackson on first with two outs when Carlos Santana singled to right field. Sharks right fielder Ricardo Lizcano's throw to third was over the head of K.J. McAllister as Jackson scored to tie the game and Santana advanced to second.
Greg Harrison stepped in next and brought home Santana with a RBI single up the middle and the Sharks lead was gone.
In the Sharks' final two at-bats, they put a runner on base in both innings, with the tying run stranded at third to end the eighth and they ended the game with the tying run on first.
Jake Mayers led the Sharks with a 2-for-3 night at the plate while driving in both Wilmington runs on the night. Justyn Carter, Alex Freedman, Eric Mayers and K.J. McAllister each tallied one hit for the remainder of the Sharks hits.
Selek finished 2-for-4, while Santana added a hit and two RBIs for the Blowfish.
The Sharks jumped ahead early in the bottom of the first when Carter walked before coming around to score later in the inning on a Mayers RBI single. In the fifth, the Wilmington lead improved to two after Carter reached via a hit by pitch before advancing around to third and scoring on another Mayers RBI single.
Columbia plated its first run in the top of the sixth when Jackson reached on an error by Batts and advanced to second when the throw sailed into right field. Another Sharks error moved Jackson to third base before he scored on Santana's RBI groundout to cut the lead to 2-1 and set up the eighth inning.
The Sharks have little time to think about the loss, bouncing right back to host the Florence RedWolves with an 11 a.m. start time Wednesday afternoon. Wilmington turns around and travels to Florence Thursday night to end the 2011 First Half.
The Sharks return home Friday, July 1, when they host the Outer Banks Daredevils in a Firsty Friday with $1 beverage specials. Sunday, July 3, the Sharks host Florence with a postgame fireworks spectacular presented by Taco Bell.
Coastal Plain League Stories from June 28, 2011
- Peninsula Rain Interferes - Edenton Steamers
- Sharks falter late against Columbia - Wilmington Sharks
- Fayetteville Overcomes Florence, 4-2, Claims Sole Possession of First Place - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- 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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