K-Tribe tops Rocks 4-3

By David Williams
Published in Sports on May 18, 2004 1:55 PM

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KINSTON -- Shaun Larkin drove in the first and last runs for Kinston and the relief corps survived some scary moments late, as the Indians defeated Wilmington 4-3 in a showdown of the two first-place teams in the Carolina League Monday night at Grainger Stadium.

Kinston moved to a season-best 27-9, while Wilmington fell to 21-18.

The Blue Rocks got to Indians starter J.D. Martin for a couple of tough-luck runs in the top of the first, as three soft singles and some miscommunication on a pop-out in foul territory allowed Wilmington to grab a 2-0 lead.

Jonathan van Every led off the second inning with a walk and went to second on a wild pitch from erratic Wilmington starter Colt Griffin, before scoring on Larkin's single to right. After Dennis Malave struck out, Kinston strung together three straight base hits from Eider Torres, Ivan Ochoa and Nathan Panther to take a 3-2 lead and chase Griffin after just 1 2/3 innings.

Larkin struck again in the bottom of the fifth, as van Every led off with another walk, went to second on a grounder, and scored on Larkin's liner to left.

Martin earned the win and moved to 4-2, allowing two runs on five hits in 5.2 innings. Griffin got the loss and fell to 1-4, allowing three runs, four hits and four walks in 1.2 innings. Prahm did allow his first run of the year (unearned), but notched his league-leading 10th save.

The teams will meet for game two Tuesday at 7 p.m. followed by an 11 a.m. start Wednesday for Lenoir County Education Day. For more information, please call the Indians at (252) 527-9111.