Sharks Shutout Generals to Clinch Playoff Spot
Published on August 1, 2013 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilmington Sharks News Release
Wilmington, N.C. - The Wilmington Sharks (16-8, 30-21) shutout the Petersburg Generals (5-20, 9-40) at home 5-0 on Thursday night to clinch a spot into the 2013 Petitt Cup Playoffs.
Both teams were struggling to find offense through the first five innings as both teams were doing a great job on the hill and defensively to keep it dead locked at 0-0 after five.
The Sharks broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning as Austin Below led off with a single then reached second on a sacrifice bunt off the bat of Andrew Amaro. Alex Freedman picked up a one out single to put runners on the corners with one out. Cody Dolan was hit a by a pitch to lead up the bases for Zach Stepehens who continued his hot hitting on the night as he hit a triple off the center field to clear the bases and give the Sharks a 3-0 lead.
In the same inning for the Sharks Mike Dunster drove a ball into the left center field gap with two outs to score two more runs for Sharks and give them a 5-0 lead, which was plenty of run support for the Sharks pitching staff.
The Generals could not pick up a hit in the final four innings as Stu Jones was the winning pitcher for the Sharks and he improved his record to 4-1 on the year. Stephens went 3-4 at the plate with two doubles a triple and three RBIs for the Sharks.
With the victory the Sharks have now made it to the Petitt Cup Playoffs for the third year in a row and look to catch the Fayetteville SwampDogs in third place in the East Division overall standings as they go on the road Friday night to take on the Florence RedWolves with a 7:30 p.m. first pitch.
The Wilmington Sharks are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 17th season in 2013, the CPL features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 1000 alumni drafted and 62 alums - including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander - make their major league debut so far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (@cpleague).
Coastal Plain League Stories from August 1, 2013
- Sharks Shutout Generals to Clinch Playoff Spot - Wilmington Sharks
- Archbold Dominates in 2-1 Victory - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- Blowfish Take 2-1 Loss to Swampdogs - Lexington County Blowfish
- Tobs Top Marlins 7-5 - Morehead City Marlins
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