Tobs break six-game skid

Published on July 30, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilson Tobs News Release


HAMPTON, V.A. - The Wilson Tobs (9-16, 24-29) broke a six-game losing streak Saturday night with a 6-4 win over the Peninsula Pilots (9-16, 26-27) at War Memorial Stadium.

Wilson led throughout, opening the scoring in the top of the fourth. Leadoff hitter in the inning, catcher Brian Holberton, was issued a walk from Peninsula starter RHP Deshorn Lake. Holberton stole second and was pushed to third on a ground out to the right side by LF Joe Costigan. Standing 90 feet from home with one out in the inning, Holberton broke for home and scored on a wild pitch from Lake that sailed all the way back to the netting behind home plate, making it 1-0 Wilson.

The Tobs struck again in the fifth. First baseman Steve Nikorak began the inning by hitting a single up the middle. After 3B Zac Mitchell sacrificed Nikorak to second, RF Jeff Bouton singled up the middle to put runners on the corners with one out. With SS Angelo Labruna at the plate, Bouton took off for second drawing a throw from Pilots catcher Cameron Cecil. Nikorak sprinted for home as soon as Cecil released the throw, and though the throw back to Cecil beat Nikorak to the plate, Cecil couldn't hang on to the ball allowing Nikorak to score the first run of the inning. LaBruna singled later in the at-bat, driving home Bouton from second to make it 3-0 Wilson. LaBruna also scored before the frame came to an end to give the Tobs a four-run lead.

All four runs were charged to Lake (2-2), who took the loss and departed after 4.1 innings. Lake allowed five hits, while walking two and striking out one. He was replaced by RHP Bryan Bierlein.

The Pilots got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. With the bases loaded and two outs, RF Jake Atwell scored from third on a wild pitch. Then, with two in scoring position, CF Zac MacAneney singled up the middle, driving in the runner from third and thereby cutting the Tobs lead to two, 4-2.

RHP Cody Cox (1-0) made his first start of the year for Wilson and earned the win. Cox ended up pitching six innings, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out 10.

Wilson added to its lead in the eighth and ninth. The first two batters in the eighth each singled, putting runners on the corners with no one out. Costigan easily drove in the runner at third with a deep sac fly to right, making it 5-2 Tobs. In the ninth, leadoff hitter DH Tony Wieber walked. Wieber took second on a throwing error by the pitcher, stole third, and scored on an error by 3B Steve Hodgins.

The last two runs for Wilson would prove to be the difference as MacAneney hammered a two-run homerun over the right field wall in the bottom of the ninth off Tobs reliever Jon Levin.

The Tobs return home to Fleming Stadium tomorrow evening to take on the Edenton Steamers. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05pm. Sunday is "City of Wilson Appreciation Night" at Fleming Stadium, with all city workers welcome to attend the game for free pending proof of employment by the city. Regency Athletic Club members can also attend Sunday's game for free by picking up tickets at the front desk of the club. All beer on tap will be available for just $2.00 for a 16 ounce glass on Sunday. Call the Tobs box office for tickets at 252-291-TOBS.

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Coastal Plain League Stories from July 30, 2011


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