WILMINGTON, NC- Big night for the Sharks as they kick-off Beach Weekend with a huge win
against the High Point- Thomasville HiToms. The Sharks have recovered from their losing streak
and have made an impressive comeback with two back-to-back wins against the Holly Springs
Salamanders on (6/22) and last night’s victory against the HiToms.
After two scoreless innings, the Sharks put runs on the board in the bottom of the third inning.
Taber Mongero (UNC- Wilmington) had an incredible performance at the plate as he earned four
RBIs, two runs, two hits, a triple, and no strikeouts during five at-bats. Mongero sealed the
Sharks’ win with a massive home run into right field in the eighth inning. His performance
earned him the coveted ‘Nice Hang Chain’ that is awarded to the player of the game by Coach
Russ Burroughs. Teammates Chaz Bertolani (Lipscomb) and Noah Bridges (UNC- Wilmington)
also assisted in the Sharks’ win with two runs each. Andrew Ciufo (Georgetown University), AJ
Mendolia (University of Central Arkansas), Wyatt Crenshaw (Colorado Christain University),
and Mason Landers (Belmont University) also crossed home plate to further advance the
Wilmington lead. Scott Bandura (Princeton University) assisted his team with two RBIs and two
hits during four at-bats.
An excellent night on the mound for the Sharks as well as they welcomed back starting pitcher,
Gabe Rappa (West Chester University). His first game back in a Sharks’ jersey, Rappa pitched
four innings and allowed no hits or runs while striking out six HiToms. Rappa gave way to
Bradley Wilson (East Carolina University) who only permitted one run during his inning and
struck out a HiTom. Pitchers Paxton Meyers (Brown University), Joe Sperone (West Chester
University), Andrew Ledbetter (Stony Brook University), and Peyton Consigli (Canisius
College) also took the mound and prevented the HiToms from making a comeback totaling ten
total strikeouts from the Sharks’ pitching roster.
The Sharks look to continue their winning streak against the Holly Springs Salamanders this
Friday, 6/24 at Buck Hardee Field with first pitch at 7:05pm. Beach Weekend continues with two
more home games on Saturday for Pirates Day (vs Clayton Clover) and Sunday (vs Lexington
County Blowfish). Tickets are available for purchase at wilmingtonsharks.com and by calling
910-343-5621.

By Kari Hodges, Photograph by Nathan Hovey