Could be final Sharks start

The Wilmington Sharks have announced that tonight, Friday, July 1, 2011, Chris Mazza will be the Sharks’ starting pitcher against the Outer Banks Daredevils. Gates open for tonight’s game at 6 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7:05.

Chris Mazza is scheduled for what could be his final Sharks start tonight.

Mazza was selected in the 27^th Round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft by the Minnesota Twins on June 8.

Friday night's game is also Firsty Friday with $1 beverages throughout the game and the first 500 kids will recieve a free MLB batting glove presented by Coastal Athletics.

The Clayton, Ca. native plays collegiately at Menlo College.

With the Sharks in 2011, Mazza has appeared in six games with four starts to his credit. Heading into tonight’s game, Mazza sports a 1-2 record and a 2.45 ERA. He has pitched a total of 25.2 innings while allowing just eight runs compared to 24 strikeouts.

In his last start June 24 at Peninsula with a Twins scout in attendance, Mazza tossed six innings of five-hit baseball while allowing only one run in the Sharks’ 3-2 win over the Pilots.

The Wilmington Sharks are members of Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league.  Celebrating its 15^th season, The Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.  The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats.  Players are housed with local host families for the summer.  The CPL has had over 700 alumni drafted and 35 alums make their Major League debut thus far.  For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.