The first four hits for the Sharks all went for extra bases as Wilmington took an early lead and never looked back beating Columbia 8-1.

The Sharks struck for an early run in Columbia when Cory Lyda (Presbyterian) doubled with one out in the first. He moved to third on a pass ball and scored when David Shambley (UNC-Wilmington) grounded out. The Blowfish tied the score in the third but the Sharks took the lead back the next inning. Shambley reached on an error with one out, then was doubled home one batter later by John Nester (Clemson).

The scoring continued in the next inning when Neal Pritchard (Elon) doubled and was brought home on a triple to right by Bobby Leeper (UNC-Wilmington). Leeper's triple was the fourth of six extra base hits on the night for the Sharks. After Leeper scored on a pass ball, Lyda got things started again with a single. He scored from second one batter later when Mike Alvarez (Florida Gulf Coast) singled. The Sharks led 5-1 after five innings.

The Sharks would add three more runs in the 7th when Alvarez doubled to drive in Lyda and Eply who had reached on an error and a walk. After moving to third on a ground out, Alvarez scored the 8th run of the night for the Sharks on a Ben Kline (Nebraska) single.

Starter Dan Gerjets (George Mason) picked up the win to move his record to 1-0. He was helped out by excellent defense behind him including two of the Sharks three double plays on the night. The catcher Nester cut down two batters trying to steal and rightfielder Jarred Jimenez (Rutgers) also got into the defensive swing of things throwing out two runners.

Jarred Miller (Valparaiso) worked three innings of scoreless relief to close out the Blowfish and move the Sharks record to 4-5 on the '08 season.

The Sharks finish up their three game road swing tomorrow in Florence and then will face the Redwolves again back home on Wednesday. It's Recycle Your Old Phone Book Night presented by AT&T Real Yellow Pages so bring your old phone book to the ballyard and drop it off to be recycled. That all kicks off at 7pm at Buck Hardee Field.