Lovett boosts Tobs

Published in Sports on August 13, 2006 2:14 AM

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ASHEBORO -- The Wilson Tobs advanced to the second day of the Petitt Cup playoffs after an impressive 7-2 victory over the Martinsville Mustangs Friday night at McCrary Park in Asheboro.

Martinsville was eliminated from the Petitt Cup.

In a game that featured 25 hits (13 for Wilson, 12 for Martinsville) it was the Tobs that came up with the big hits at the right time.

Mark Carver got things started with a solo home run in the top of the first off Martinsville's lefty starter Scott Diamond. However, the Mustangs came back in the bottom of the first and tied the game on a Josh Paul sacrifice fly. Martinsville, despite two hits and one Wilson error, stranded two runners.

With the score tied at two in the seventh inning, the momentum shifted to Wilson's side for good. After the first two men were retired, Mustangs relief pitcher Johnny Williams hit Brandon Scott with a pitch, then walked Carver. Erik Lovett came up next and broke out of a 1-for-17 slump and a 15-game homerless streak as he took Williams over the left-center field wall for a three-run home run.

At first, Martinsville center fielder Justin Mills leaped over the wall and had the ball in his glove, but as he crashed into the wall, the ball fell over the fence. Mills, shaken up by the contact, layed on the ground for a few moments before it was determined he did not have the baseball in his glove.

With the Tobs possessing a three-run lead, reliever Chase Cates took command of the game. Cates went the final four innings, retiring the side in order in each of the last three innings.

Carver and Lovett added RBI hits in the ninth inning. Carver finished with a home run, a double and two RBIs with three runs scored. Lovett had a home run, a single and four RBIs in five at-bats.

With the win, the Tobs played the top-seeded Fayetteville SwampDogs at McCrary Park Saturday at 1 p.m. If Wilson wins, they will play again Saturday night at 7 p.m. against the winner of the 10 a.m. game between Peninsula and Thomasville. If Wilson loses to Fayetteville, they will play again Saturday at 4 p.m. against the loser of the other game.

Information on Saturday's games was not available at press time.