Wilson, N.C. – Wilson went Hog Wild on Saturday as the TaterHogs (2-0) debuted and defeated the Greenville Yard Gnomes (0-2) 5-4 in extra innings.
After a lengthy rain delay the Wilson Tobs’ alter ego, the Taterhogs, was unveiled. The overall uniforms seemed to bring good luck to the team as they walked off the game in extra innings, thanks to a walk-off base on balls from Levi McAllister.
The Yard Gnomes struck first with a RBI single from John Howard in the 1st and a 2 RBI single from Brody Gardner in the 2nd.
Chase Waddell was quick to respond with a solo home run in the bottom of the 2nd. Waddell will forever be remembered as the first TaterHog to hit a homer in Historic Fleming Stadium.
“I felt good in BP today, working on some things. It just translated to the game,” Waddell said.
The next 5 ½ innings were scoreless before another 8th inning rally from the TaterHogs. Waddell hit a 2 RBI double to tie up the game.
“I built some momentum in the pervious at-bats, and baseball is all about momentum,” Waddell said. “He threw a heater where I wanted it, put a good swing on it.”
The game remained tied 3-3 through the 9th, sending it to extras. With two runners on to start the 10th, the Gnomes drove home Corey Berry to take the lead 4-3.
The bottom of the tenth put Christian Michak and Evan Harding on the bases to start. Kasten Harvey got hit by his second pitch of the game to load the bases for The Mayor of Wilson, AJ Jones, who also got hit; walking in the tying run. McAlister then came to the plate and with great discipline got walked to win the game 5-4.
On the mound, the Taterhogs’ pigpen was excellent. Jason Fink started and delivered four innings, allowing three runs. The following six pitchers out of the pen allowed just one run – an automatic runner in the 10th. Jacob Larkins pitched the Hogs out of a bases loaded jam in the 6th. Colin Murphy (1-0) shined, delivering three stellar innings in relief, striking out five.
The Wilson Tobs are back in action against Tri City Monday, on the road. They return home for $2 Tuesday vs the Chili Peppers on June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. TaterHogs are back in action June 12th vs Wilmington.