Sutton Comes Up Clutch
June 28, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Forest City Owls News Release
Forest City, NC- One day after his four-hit performance, Owls outfielder T.J. Sutton managed just one hit against the Columbia Blowfish on Thursday night. That one hit just happened to be a walk-off single, scoring Dykota Spiess from second base to beat the Blowfish 3-2.
For a moment, it seemed as if Sutton wouldn't even get the opportunity for the big hit. Justin Bryan hit a ground ball to third base leading off the inning, but Michael Wilson's throw went by the first baseman, allowing Bryan to get to second base. Spiess then dropped down an intended sacrifice bunt, but Josh Miller threw to third and barely got Bryan out, erasing the potential winning run. Nick McQuail walked to move Spiess into scoring position before Gunnar Heidt struck out, setting the stage for Sutton's game-winner.
Ryan Welke pitched a perfect 9th inning to earn a victory in his first regular season appearance on the mound. Dimitri Kourtis made his first start for the Owls, but left with a no decision after allowing two unearned runs on just three hits and three walks over seven innings of work. Carson Herndon also pitched a perfect inning of relief for Forest City.
The Owls jumped on Columbia starter Derek Beasley with two runs in the 1st inning. Heidt singled and stole second base on Sutton's swinging strikeout. Then, Nate Chong reached on an infield single, moving Heidt to third base. Alex Close delivered Heidt with a base hit up the middle. After Chong stole third, he scored on a fielder's choice groundout by Stephen Tarkenton. Close's RBI single in the first extended his team-best hitting streak to 12 games.
The Owls go back out on the road for two more games before Sunday's home exhibition against Team USA. Forest City visits Thomasville for the second time this season tomorrow before a Saturday evening game in Asheboro. Call 828-245-0000 to order tickets or stop by the ticket booth at McNair Field. If you can't make it in person, you can listen to the action live via WebPass through the Coastal Plain League website at www.coastalplain.com.
The Forest City Owls are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season in 2012, 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 1,000 alumni drafted and 51 alums make their Major League debut thus 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).
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Coastal Plain League Stories from June 28, 2012
- Steamers Clinch First-Half East Division Title - Edenton Steamers
- Sharks Triumphant in Return to CPL Play - Wilmington Sharks
- First Place Owls Top Blowfish - Lexington County Blowfish
- Big Inning Lifts Tobs to Victory - Wilson Tobs
- Immekus Resigns as Tobs Head Coach - Wilson Tobs
- Sutton Comes Up Clutch - Forest City Owls
- Strong Pitching, Timely Hitting Lead Marlins Past Mustangs - Morehead City Marlins
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