Summer baseball here in Wilmington ended Tuesday evening at the Shark Tank when the Sharks were defeated in the final two innings of a suspended game with their playoff hopes on the line. Though it was a tough loss, it by no means overshadows the terrific summer we had both on and off the field.

I'd like to take this space to thank a number of organizations and people who made this summer such a success, including the town of Wilmington Parks and Recreation department for their tireless work on our playing field and its environs and the mayor's office, for helping to facilitate a great working relationship between the team and the town.

The Sharks won 27 games this season, their most in five years, and came within five outs of going to the Coastal Plain League playoffs for the first time since 2003. This team, assembled from local talent here in Wilmington as well as far-flung reaches of the country, came together for some great achievements. Perhaps the most momentous on-field moment, where everything came together for one magical night was on July 22^nd when Sharks pitcher Zach Taylor, helped by a stellar defensive night by his teammates, threw the first perfect game in the 14-year history of the Coastal Plain League.

They gave baseball fans everything they could hope for—a summer of competitive and enjoyable baseball capped off with the excitement of an improbably late-season playoff push. And you gave it right back to them. The fans who packed Buck Hardee Field this summer, through rain delays and extra innings, on Two 'Fer One Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays and all the hot summer days in between, deserve our thanks as an organization. You truly made this summer special through your support and involvement with the team.

More than 100 young baseball fans joined our Pupz Club, receiving Sharks gear, getting free admission to games, and discounts on our youth baseball summer camps run by the team. The spirit and enthusiasm of our youngest fans meant a lot to the organization and I know it meant a lot to the ballplayers as well. A special thanks goes out to the Boys and Girls Club who brought more than 60 youngsters out to the field on two separate days for a morning of drills and fun and games with the ball club.

And a special thanks also goes out to our corporate sponsors and corporate box patrons. Your active engagement in the team through promotions, discounts and attendance, was one of the main reasons I can feel confident that every fan that came through our gates this summer, whether baseball diehards or casual fans, left after having a good time.

Our slogan is “Where Baseball is Fun.” Thanks to the community, fans, sponsors and town officials who made this season a rollicking success from start to finish, I know we had lots of it and will have a lot more next season. Thanks again, looking forward to seeing you at the ballpark in 2011.

Sincerely,

Andrew Aguilar

General Manager/Wilmington Sharks

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Wilmington Sharks took a one-run lead into the seventh inning but, with their playoff hopes on the line, allowed five unanswered runs to score as Outer Banks beat the Sharks 7-3.

With Asheboro and Wilmington tied at 27-28 in the Coastal Plain League Standings, the Sharks took to the field for three-plus innings Tuesday at Buck Hardee Field against the Daredevils. Having left off at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth on July 17, the game needed to be finished per CPL rules.

The Wilmington Sharks and Outer Banks Daredevils will take the field at 5:30 p.m. at the Shark Tank to resume their July 17 suspended game with the score tied at two in the bottom of the sixth inning to conclude what will be the final game of the Coastal Plain League regular season.  If the Sharks win, they earn the final playoff spot and will take on the Forest City Owls in the first round.  If they lose, they are out of the playoffs with the Asheboro Copperheads winning the final spot.

Admission to this evening's game is free to the public.  Gates will open at 5 p.m. 

If the Sharks win, they travel to Forest City Wednesday, August 4 for Game One of the first round playoff series.  Game Two would be back at Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington on Thursday, August 5.

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C.-- Behind a one-hitter from Zach Taylor (W, 4-2), the Wilmington Sharks stayed alive in the CPL playoff picture with a 3-1 win over the Moreahead City Marlins on Monda night.

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. -- A Matt Ciraco sacrifice fly scored Chris Taylor from third in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Morehead City Marlins a 4-3 walk-off win over the Wilmington Sharks in game one of a doubleheader Monday night. The win clinched at least the three-seed in the Petitt Cup Playoffs for the Marlins and put the Sharks one loss away from elimination.