CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Sparkman Sparkles As Rocks Record Second Straight Shutout

Published on July 4, 2014 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Winston-Salem, NC - Glenn Sparkman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning as the Wilmington Blue Rocks recorded their second consecutive shutout with a 5-0 blanking of the Winston-Salem Dash on Friday at BB&T Ballpark. Sparkman lost his bid for a no-no with one out in the seventh, but it was the only hit he allowed in a career-long seven-inning outing. The Rocks have now tossed 17.1 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to Tuesday and have authored nine shutouts as a team on the season.

Sparkman set the tone early by fanning the first two batters he faced. He finished his night in similar fashion by punching out the final two hitters he opposed as well. In between, the right-hander worked five one-two-three innings. The only base runner he allowed over the first six innings came on Ramon Torres' one-out error in the third. Sparkman paid it little attention, however, retiring the next two batters he faced. Joey DeMichele was the lone Winston-Salem batter to register a hit off the righty, lining a single into center with one down in the seventh. Sparkman finished his night with nine strikeouts and no walks.

Wilmington's offense did not need much, but got a single tally in the second and then two more runs in both the fourth and fifth frames. Torres got Wilmington on the board with an RBI grounder to first in the second. His hustle led to another run two innings later when he beat out a potential double play that allowed Michael Antonio to score. Earlier in the frame, Antonio's single to center plated Mark Threlkheld. Bubba Starling capped off the offense in the next inning when he lifted a two-run bomb over the right-field fence.

All of the Rocks' runs came against Dash starter Tony Bucciferro (6-7). The right-hander got chased with two down in the fifth, after allowing 11 hits. Kyle Bartsch worked the final two frames for Wilmington without yielding a run.

The Blue Rocks return to action Saturday night at Frawley Stadium when they continue this three-game series. Wilmington will send southpaw Jonathan Dziedzic (5-5, 3.00) to the mound, while Winston-Salem will counter with righty Terrance Marin (2-0, 2.37). First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. and fans can listen to the broadcast on 89.7 WGLS-FM.

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Carolina League Stories from July 4, 2014


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