by James Stanley, Wilson Tobs Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Wilson Tobs (14-16, 4-6) unsuccessfully hunted for runs on Friday night at Legion Stadium falling 8-0 to the Wilmington Sharks (17-15, 5-5).
The Sharks drew first blood in the bottom of the 2nd to take a 4-0 lead off Tobs starting pitcher Paul Sullivan (Iona). Donald Hansis (College of Charleston) started the scoring by plating the first run on a sacrifice fly. With the bases loaded, Sharks shortstop Andrew Ciufo (Georgetown) gave his team a three-run lead by driving in two runs on a base hit. John Behrends (Belmont) capped off the scoring with a two-out RBI single.
Zeke Lecomte (Trevecca Nazarene) relieved Sullivan in the bottom of the 5th inning and held the Sharks scoreless until Wilmington’s half of the 8th. With no outs in the frame, Chaz Bertolani (Lipscomb) extended Wilmington’s lead to 6-0 on a two RBI single forcing the Tobs to bring in reliever Nate Fiala (East Stroudsburg). The next batter, Ciufo, smacked a two-RBI double off Fiala to make it 8-0.
Wilmington starting pitcher Joseph Kemlage (American International College) received the win pitching 6.0 shutout innings on three strikeouts. He gave up four hits and was assisted by three double plays turned by his defense.
Sullivan received the loss giving up four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.0 innings pitched.
Lecomte gave up four runs, three earned, on four hits in 3.0 innings pitched in relief while allowing two walks.
No runs were charged to Fiala in his 1.0 inning outing although he allowed one hit and one walk.
Wilson was able to muster only four hits while stranding eight base runners on the night.
Next up, the Tobs return to Colonial Heights, Virginia for a second time this week to take on the Tri-City Chili Peppers in game six of the 2021 series. First pitch at Shepherd Stadium is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans can listen to the game for free on on Mixlr by clicking here or watch on FloBaseball.TV.
The Wilson Tobs enter their 25th season as a founding member of the Coastal Plain League. The upcoming season for the Tobs will see community outreach, increased participation in helping the less fortunate, a Pettit Cup Championship team, and more exciting entertainment than ever before. We would like to dedicate each successful season to the Wilson Community, Coastal Plain League Organization, Host Families, Corporate Partners, and the Dedicated Fans.
The Wilson Tobs have played host to over 100 alumni taken in the draft and have produced a dozen players who have gone on to play in the MLB, including Cy Young MVP winner Justin Verlander. For more information on the Wilson Tobs, visit our website www.WilsonTobs.com.