Sharks Win Behind Cropper, Halt Skid

The Wilmington Sharks snapped a six game skid with a 4-3 win over the Columbia Blowfish. The victory runs the Sharks’ record to 10-13 in CPL play. It hasn’t been a great start, but the team has time to get things in gear.

If the Sharks are going to turn in on, Daniel Cropper of UNC-Wilmington will have to be an ace on the hill. On Tuesday, Cropper helped halt the skid as he picked up the win allowing just two runs and striking out five over six innings.

Adam Eggemeyer’s (SIU-Edwardsville) two run single was the key hit in a four run third. Eggemeyer is leading the team with a .352 average and 20 RBIs after Tuesday’s win. Jesse Bosnik (St. Bonaventure) kept pace with Eggemeyer as he drove in two more runs and sits in second place in both average .319 and RBI, 17.

Cropper improved to 2-1 on the season and is sporting a .205 ERA. The hard-throwing righty has struck out 36 batters in 30.2 innings of work and opponents are hitting a paltry .183 against him.

The Sharks are home again Wednesday as the Gastonia Grizzlies come to the Port City. The Sharks will be away on Thursday, but return Friday as they welcome the Florence Red Wolves. Buck Hardee Field gates open at 6 p.m., with first pitch set for 7 p.m.

-- Jesse Jones, CAPE FEAR SPORTS REPORT