RedWolves’ bullpen falters in loss to Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville SwampDogs rallied late for three runs to defeat the Florence RedWolves 6-4 in Coastal Plain League play on Thursday night.

The loss drops Florence a game back of Fayetteville for first place in the CPL South.

Fayetteville tied it 4-4 with a run in the seventh off Florence reliever Matt Jebb.

Eric Grabe reached on a one-out walk, took second on an error and scored on a single to center by Michael Niemann.

The Swampdogs took a 5-4 lead in the eighth when Jesse Lancaster belted a one-out solo homer off Steven Neff (0-1).

Fayetteville made it 6-4 later in the inning on a run-scoring single from Brock Whiteman.

“We’re short (staffed) on the mound right now. Our guys are really battling for us,” said Florence coach Wes Davis. “Tonight, Jebb threw trying to come back from a tired arm and Neff came in and battled for us, too.

“Timely hitting is a very big part of the game, and Fayetteville got the hits tonight when they needed them.”

Preston Shuey was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI for Florence while Zach Caldwell was 2-for-4 with a double.

Florence starter Tomas Cruz worked six innings, gave up four hits, three runs (all earned), walked one and struck out seven.

Florence hosts the Columbia Blowfish tonight at 7:30.