After being down early the Sharks walked and dashed their way to seven unanswered runs to beat Columbia 9-6. Click to listen to a recap of the action on “Shark Bytes” with J.W. Cox.

Runs in the 5th, 6th and the 7th fueled the Shark come from behind win at Buck Hardee field. The Wilmington club, at one time behind 4-0, trailed 6-2 headed into bottom of the 6th.Justice French(Mercer) led off the inning with his third single of the night. After a walk toKolby Epley(College of Charleston), Ben Kline(Nebraska) singled French home to cut the lead to 6-3. The Sharks would use five walks in the inning to score three more runs and tie the score.

Wilmington took the lead for good in the bottom of the 7th, with the help of a little pure base running excitement. After another Epley walk to lead off the frame, Kline traded places on a fielders choice. After two more walks and a pop out, Kline was at third with two down. WithBobby Leeper(UNC-Wilmington) at the plate, Kline broke from third on the pitch and stole home just ahead of the tag from the Columbia catcher. That run put the Sharks ahead for good as Mike Alvarez(Florida Gulf Coast) drove in two insurance runs with a single to put the lead at 9-6.

Starter Ryan Vander Tuig(San Jose State) was touched up for six runs as he worked into the 6th inning. But the relief combination of Matt Patterson(Creighton) and Tyler White(Alabama) held the ‘Fish in check for the final three innings to bring home the the win.

The Sharks go back on the road tomorrow at Fayetteville, but will be back home for a double header against Wilson on Sunday. Its a Father’s Day, “Props to Pops” afternoon all day out at Buck Hardee field. All the double dip action and the salute to dads starts at 4pm.  -Courtesy Wilmington Sharks