Hampton, VA – The Tobs beat Peninsula 5-4 to sweep the Eastern Division Championship Series in a highly dramatic game at War Memorial Stadium. For the first time since 2022, the Tobs will play for the Petitt Cup.

The Tobs got on the board early with five straight hits to open the game. A pair of errors from Carlos Peña allowed Charlie Bussey III to score the first run of the ball game. Carter Murphy knocked in a run with an RBI double and Chase Waddell singled him home a batter later.

Peninsula built some momentum in the fifth, but a stellar defensive effort from Jakhari Howard ended the inning. Henry Garcia singled to left with runners on first and second and Cole Raile came streaking to the plate. Howard’s throw from left field bounced twice before landing in Chase Waddell’s glove to apply the tag and end the inning.

It was a close play at the plate, and head coach Hank Morgan of the Pilots was ejected for arguing and contacting the umpire, as well as two of his assistants were tossed as well – sending War Memorial Stadium into a frenzy.

Silas Jones gave the Tobs five innings of one run baseball, striking out six. Wilson led 4-1 going into the 7th, and the inning was a wild one. Ty Woods, Ethan Wilford and Dylan Maire all pitched in the inning, and the Pilots rallied to tie the game at four.

The Tobs grabbed the lead in the 8th. Howard doubled down the right field line to set the table, and he reached third on a wild pitch. Pitches later, Murphy lifted a high fly ball to left for a sacrifice fly and the Tobs grabbed the lead.

It was dramatic, but Ethan Atchley and Casey O’Dell pitched a strong 8th and 9th frame to nail down the win and clinch the EDCS victory for Wilson. 

Now Wilson awaits its fate in the CPL Petitt Cup Championship. 

If the Forest City Owls beat the Boone Bigfoots, the Tobs will host game one of the Championship at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9th. They would travel to Forest City for game two and three (if necessary). 

If the Boone Bigfoots beat the Forest City Owls, Wilson will travel to Boone for game one Saturday. They would host game two on Sunday, August 10th at 6:00 p.m. at Historic Fleming Stadium, as well as game three (if necessary) on Monday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m.