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Opening Day Slip: Robins Collapse Late, Fall to Auctioneers 11–8
Big bats, bigger lead... but the bullpen couldn't hold it

By Chase Murphy | The Robesonian | Summer Intern
Red Springs, NC – May 23, 2025

For five innings, Red Springs looked like a fairy tale. By the end of the sixth, it felt more like a horror movie.

The Red Springs Red Robins fell 11–8 to the Lumberton Auctioneers on Opening Night of the Tobacco State League at Lumberton Armory Field, squandering an early 5–0 lead in a wild, emotional rollercoaster of a debut.

“We came out swinging. But in this league, it’s about who finishes,” said manager Elijah Crabtree, postgame.

The Bright Spots:
Bruce Browning (LF), the 18-year-old with a grown man’s swing, went 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs, including a 2-run homer in the 5th.

Justin Stubbs (CF) launched a 3-run bomb in the 2nd.

Danny Abell (3B) set the tone early with a double — the first hit in Robins history — and later scored the team’s first run.

Josh “The Mayor” Fleisher (SS) quietly went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI.



The Turning Point:
With a 7–3 lead heading into the bottom of the 6th, starter Dan McSwain began to tire. A walk, a pair of singles, and a bullpen that never found its footing led to a six-run explosion by Lumberton — highlighted by Chad Rapp’s 3 RBI night and a clutch 2-run single from pinch-hitter Kyle Simas.

Red Springs was held scoreless over the final four innings.

McSwain’s final line: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 3 K

“I hadn’t even broken a sweat by the fifth,” McSwain said postgame. “But maybe I should have.”

Final Line:
Red Springs: 8 R, 11 H, 1 E
Lumberton: 11 R, 11 H, 1 E
LOB: Red Springs stranded 17 runners

“We left a small army on the bases,” said catcher Shane Hangen. “You can’t do that and expect to win, no matter how many you score early.”

Up Next:
The Robins get another shot Saturday night in Game 2 of the series. Expect Luke Restivo to get the start, and perhaps a shorter leash on the bullpen if things get rocky again.

“It’s just one game,” Crabtree said. “But it’s also a lesson. You’ve got to earn all nine innings.”

Around the League – Opening Day Headlines:

• Clinton 3, Smithfield-Selma 2 – Blues grind one out, probably bunting their way to glory
• Angier 6, Sanford 0 – Top pick Andy Jensrud 1-for-4… and apparently not Aaron Judge (yet)
• Whiteville 4, Rockingham 0 – Tobs pitching looks dangerous
• Warsaw 6, Dunn-Erwin 1 – Red Robins lose, but Red Sox win