Fayetteville's Ben Graham pitches against Sean Sullivan (courtesy Fayetteville Observer)
FAYETTEVILLE- The Columbia Blowfish suffered another quiet offensive night Tuesday as Fayetteville Swampdogs pitcher Ben Graham (Emporia State) gave up only one run in eight innings at J.P. Riddle Stadium in Fayetteville, NC.
Graham (1-0) gave up four hits and struck out four to earn the win.
Fayetteville (9-7) struck in the first inning after Michael Niemann (Delta St) led off with a single and stole second. He scored after a Brendan Rowland (Albany) single was bobbled by Columbia left fielder Cameron White (Catawba) to give Fayetteville a 1-0 lead.
The Blowfish (5-11) answered in the third to tie the game 1-1. Matt Williams (Liberty) reached on an infield hit to shortstop and later scored on a Jason Coker (UNC-Pembroke) single.
The Swampdogs responded in the bottom half of the inning, as Matt Skirving (E. Michigan) singled home Jared Humphreys (Kent St) and Rowland scored on a fielder's choice to give Fayetteville a 3-1 lead.
They would add to that lead in the fourth after another Niemann single scored Wet Delatte (LSU) to make it 4-1 Fayetteville.
Niemann picked up his second RBI of the night with a sixth inning single that scored Austin Lasprilla (Angelo St) as the Swampdogs extended their lead 5-1.
Notes: All nine starters reached base for Fayetteville... The Swampdogs had seven stolen bases... Fayetteville now leads the season series 2-1... The Blowfish are off Wednesday before returning home for a doubleheader against Wilson. Columbia and the Tobs will complete a suspended game starting at 6:05 pm. The second game will begin 30 minutes afterwards.
