Starting pitcher Bryant Gaines and reliever Ryan Vander Tuig held the visiting Edenton Steamers to just one run on three hits to deliver the win.

It was a good night at Buck Hardee field as the Sharks got plenty of pitching and defense and just enough offense to pick up the 2-1 win, their first of the 08 Coastal Plain League season. The Sharks scored two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning, but the real story tonight was the way the Sharks held the Steamers offense in check. 

Gaines made his first start for the Sharks, throwing seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits, walking two. Vander Tuig, who flew into Wilmington less than 2 hours before game time, nailed down the save. He went two innings allowing just two baserunners. Vander Tuig struck out the last Steamer of the night to put an exclamation on the Sharks first win.

The scoring started for Wilmington in the bottom of the sixth when Justice French reached on a error by the shortstop. He was moved to second on a ground out, then came home on a clutch two out single by Matt Kirchner. Another Steamer error put Kirchner on third and he came home on a single by Mike Alvarez. That turned out to be all the offense the Sharks would need.

Gaines was helped by a defense that turned in double plays to kill two Edenton threats. Cory Lyda flashed his own leather making a spectacular catch with a full extension dive deep on the left center field warning track to rob an extra base hit.

The Sharks start a stretch of 16 games without an off day tomorrow in Fayetteville. Wilmington will be back home for Hannah Montana themed night Saturday the 7th.  There will be Hannah Montana themed events for the kids throughout the game, and a post game concert featuring Rob Ronner. The fun starts at 7 pm on Saturday at Buck Hardee Field.