Red Springs bats go missing
Smithfield-Selma pitcher Eric Kimball strikes out 9, Red Robins win streak ends
By Chase Murphy | The Robesonian Summer Intern | Monday, July 14
Red Springs' time at the top of the Tobacco State League standings was short-lived.
One day after sweeping Sanford to forge a three-way for first place, the Red Robins went silent in a 5-0 loss to Smithfield-Selma. The Leafs held Red Springs to just five hits. This was only the second time this season, the Robins failed to bring a run across the plate.
Smithfield-Selma pitcher
Eric Kimball stole the show, fanning nine Red Robins and allowing only four hits. He had been 0-4 heading into Monday's match-up. Luke Restivo took the loss for Red Springs, falling to 5-5 on the season.
"There was nothing to like about today," Robins manager Elijah Crabtree muttered while walking out of the locker room. "Sometimes this team is maddening. Guys just disappear. I don't get it..."
Game two of the series with the Leafs will come Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.
Tobacco State League Scoreboard | Monday, July 14
Smithfield-Selma 5, Red Springs 0
Rockingham 7, Clinton 4
Warsaw 9, Angier-Fuquay Springs 0
Lumberton 4, Whiteville 3
Sanford 6, Dunn-Erwin 1
Tobacco State League Standings after 7/14
Sanford 27-19
Red Springs 26-20
Whiteville 26-20
Warsaw 25-21
Lumberton 24-22
Clinton 23-23
Angier-Fuquay Springs 21-25
Smithfield-Selma 20-26
Dunn-Erwin 19-27
Rockingham 19-27
* Eight games left in the regular season ... All 10 teams make the playoffs ... The top six get first-round byes ...