Tobs Smoke out Visiting Sharks

July 6, 2012 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Wilmington Sharks News Release


Wilson, N.C. - Following a half hour delay before first pitch due to expected rain that never game, it may have been better for the Wilmington Sharks (2-3, 18-14) to get wet as they dropped a 9-2 decision to the Wilson Tobs (4-2, 13-21) in their last trip to Fleming Stadium this summer.

Despite the leadoff hitter reaching base in each of the first four innings, the Sharks could not score a run. Entering Friday night's action, Wilmington had already grounded into a league-most 17 double plays. The club extended that number by two early on, with GIDPs marked on the scorecard for the second and third frames. A tough liner that ended the seventh inning was the third double play recorded by Wilson's defense.

With the scoreboard still reading zeroes halfway through the contest, Wilson strung together a hit by pitch, a single, a walk and a fielder's choice from four consecutive batters to score the first run of the night for either team.

Once that run was scored, the Sharks took it right back in the top of the sixth with an unearned run. Casey Goss extended his hot streak with his second single to leadoff an inning in the game, then advanced on a groundout and a stolen base before crossing the plate when Wilson's Zach Houchins missed a play at shortstop that could have ended as the third out.

In the seventh, no Tobs batter was retired at the plate as the scorebook read single, fielder's choice, walk, fielder's choice, walk and double. The two-bagger cleared the bases and gave Wilson a 4-1 lead.

Wilmington threatened again in the eighth and scratched one run across but left another base runner on third. Goss drew his second walk of the night, advancing on Preston's single before stealing third and scoring on Lloyd Enzor's groundout.

Things got wild again in the eighth, with Wilson sending ten batters to the plate. The Tobs took advantage of four hits, two walks, two errors and two wild pitches to score another five runs and take a 9-2 lead.

Brett Ash, the starter for the Tobs, turned in his third 8.0-inning performance against the Sharks this season, earning his third win of the summer with all three victories coming at Fleming Stadium against Wilmington.

The Sharks return home for the Morehead City Marlins on Saturday, then host an exhibition against UNCW alumni to benefit Bryan Britt at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more on the Sharks, visit wilmingtonsharks.com, add Sharky Sharks on Facebook and follow @ILMSharks on Twitter.



Coastal Plain League Stories from July 6, 2012


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