HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C.
The Holly Springs Salamanders held on to defeat the Morehead City Marlins 6-4 at Ting Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Salamanders took an early lead in the first inning after Tripp Shelton (Junior, UNCG) doubled and later scored on a fielder’s choice. Mark Colella (Junior, Seton Hill) led off the bottom of the second with a double and wound up scoring on a delayed double steal. Shelton picked up an RBI with a two-out single that scored Josh Hollander (Sophomore, Kent State).
The Marlins would tally their first run of the game on a Kyle Skeels (Redshirt-Freshman, Coastal Carolina) double that scored Nick Podkul (Sophomore, Notre Dame). The Salamanders returned the favor with a three-run home run from Dalton Hoiles (Junior, Shippensburg) in the fifth to extend their lead to 6-1.
Morehead City made it interesting in the top of the eighth, scoring three runs to bring them within two runs. The Marlins threatened in the ninth, loading the bases before a combination of Salamander relievers struck out three separate hitters to get out of the jam and end the game.
Salamanders starter Cam Colmore (Sophomore, East Carolina) threw 7.1 innings giving up four earned runs on five hits while striking out one, picking up his fourth win along the way. Jake Isbell (Freshman, Pitt CC), Matt Cronin (Freshman, Arkansas) and Michael Hope (Sophomore, Shippensburg) all made relief appearances, with Hope earning his sixth save of the season.
Heath Mitchem (Sophomore, Catawba) took the loss for the Marlins, giving up six runs in 6.0 innings. Kip Deshields (Sophomore, Youngstown State) came in relief and held the Salamanders scoreless over the final two frames.
The Salamanders return to action Thursday evening as they host the Edenton Steamers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Ting Stadium.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 19th season in 2015, the CPL features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. The CPL has had over 1,200 alumni drafted and 79 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.
Contact:
Joel Pennington
Phone:
(919) 249-7322