Woods very fine on Sunday

July 8, 2012 - North American League (NAmL)
Abilene Prairie Dogs News Release


FORT WORTH - When Bobby Brown appraised his roster prior to the start of the 2012 season, his description of Woods Fines was very simple. "Here's a guy who has the opportunity to become the best pitcher in this league by the time the year is out." On Sunday night at LaGrave Field, the tall righty pitched to that billing as he tossed eight innings and allowed only a pair of singles on the way to 5-1 Prairie Dogs victory.

After walking two batters in the bottom of the first inning, the right-hander from North Carolina ended the frame by striking out CJ Beatty. After that first inning punch out, Fines did not allow another base runner until Brandon Jones dribbled a slow roller up the third baseline for an infield hit to start the fifth inning - Fort Worth's first knock of the game.

Abilene wasted no time supporting their efficient righty as they touched Cats' starter Kane Holbrooks for three runs on five hits in the top of the first inning. Making a spot start in place of the injured Tim Haines, Holbrooks allowed singles to Jason Martin and Danny Gonzalez to begin the first. Wilson Batista followed with towering, R.B.I. double to right field to drive in the game's first run. Geraldo Valentin then grounded out to shortstop with the infield back to drive in run number two, and Batista scored on a wild pitch to produce a 3-0 Prairie Dogs' lead after half an inning.

There was not a trace of last night's benches clearing incident. The only hit batter in the game occurred when Abilene's Chris Caves was hit by Cats reliever Cameron Dulling in the eighth, it was Dulling's professional debut.

The game remained 3-0 until the Jon Dziomba walked with one out in the bottom of the sixth. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Dziomba scored when RJ Harris lined a single into center field.

Holbrooks was charged with his third loss of the season but allowed only three hits in five scoreless innings after the top of the first.

The Dogs tacked on two more runs in the top of the ninth. Martin singled and scored on a throwing error by shortstop Shelby Ford, and Batista, who reached on Ford's error, scored when Valentin knocked in his second run of the night with a single.

Scott Vander Weg appeared for the fifth time in six games when he pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth inning. The game ended when Jose Ruiz grounded in his second double play of the game.

The Prairie Dogs and Cats will enjoy an off day on Monday before they return to action on Tuesday at LaGrave Field. Hear the game on 106.9 KLGD or on the internet on abileneprairiedogs.com beginning with the First Financial pregame show at 6:55.



North American League Stories from July 8, 2012


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