Wilmington, N.C. – The Greenville Yard Gnomes came up short in a low-scoring battle Saturday night, falling 3-1 to the Wilmington Sharks at Legion Stadium. Brendan Kenneally anchored the Sharks’ defense, tossing seven strong innings while allowing just one unearned run.
Wilmington (12-11) struck first in the second inning when Jack Boyles came around to score on a groundout, giving the Sharks an early 1-0 lead.
Greenville (6-16) responded in the top of the fourth. Jesse Ponce reached base and later scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Corey Berry, tying the game at one apiece.
The Sharks answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning. Andre Vidal drove in Boyles with a single to reclaim the lead. Moments later, Nate Manley added another RBI single, bringing in Vidal and extending the Wilmington advantage to 3-1.
That would prove to be enough, as Kenneally shut the door over the next three innings. He earned the win after tossing seven innings, allowing just two hits, one unearned run, and striking out four.
Quinn Holt took the loss for Greenville, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over 4.2 innings pitched.
Up Next: The Yard Gnomes return home to Guy Smith Stadium on Sunday night to host the Lillington Pirates. First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m.