Three Unearned Runs Carry Fayetteville to 3-2 Win Over Wilmington
June 1, 2011 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Fayetteville SwampDogs News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Another good pitching night, another late-inning rally, and another win for the Fayetteville SwampDogs against the Wilmington Sharks.
For the second time in as many days, the SwampDogs scored a run in their final at-bat, plating a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to capture a 3-2 win on Wednesday night in the team's home opener. Billy Urban singled off Sharks reliever Steven Richardson (0-1), and Brendan McGaheran scored the winning run for the second straight night for Fayetteville (1-0).
The win gives head coach Darrell Handelsman his 200th career victory as skipper of the SwampDogs (200-139). He's now 194-131 in the regular season, earning win 200 just one year after earning his 500th career win as a coach in summer collegiate baseball.
Derek Brooks (1-0) worked out of a bases loaded, two-out jam in the top of the eighth and earned his first win of the year. Cory Kent came on and pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save as a SwampDog.
Wilmington (0-1) again got on the board first behind an RBI triple from first baseman Kenny Bryant that scored Ricardo Lizcano in the top of the fourth inning. Bryant then scored on a wild pitch from SwampDogs starter Dom Macaluso to give the Sharks a 2-0 lead.
Those were the only two runs Macaluso gave up, throwing seven innings and taking a no decision. The junior from St. Peter's walked three and struck out six.
Sharks starter Stephen Vaughan also received a no-decision, allowing five hits and three walks while striking out six in 6.2 innings. He gave up two unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth inning after a two-out error by shortstop Alex Freedman allowed Eric Grabe to score the SwampDogs first run, and another Freedman error on a base hit from Danny Gesick brought home Joe Vaskas.
SwampDogs centerfielder Cody Davis continued his hot start, going 2-for-4 with his third double of the season. Davis is 5-for-10 through the first two games.
The SwampDogs return to The Swamp for another home game on Thursday night against Catawba Valley. Gates open at 6 p.m., with game time set for 7:05 p.m. at J.P. Riddle Stadium
Wilmington - 0 0 0 - 2 0 0 - 0 0 0 - 2 5 3
Fayetteville - 0 0 0 - 0 0 2 - 0 1 X - 3 6 3
W - Derek Brooks(1-0)
L - Steven Richardson (0-1)
S - Cory Kent (1)
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Coastal Plain League Stories from June 1, 2011
- Owls Fall to Martinsville, 8-4, in Home Opener - Forest City Owls
- Steamer Nearly Blow Big Lead, But Hold on for 7-6 Victory - Edenton Steamers
- Marlins Surrender Home Opener - Morehead City Marlins
- Three Unearned Runs Carry Fayetteville to 3-2 Win Over Wilmington - Fayetteville SwampDogs
- Tobs Bats Come Alive - Wilson Tobs
- Marlins Drop Season Opener in Florence - Morehead City Marlins
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