Cape Fear Ghost Crabs rally late for historic win at Brooks Field
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Ghost Crabs opened a new chapter in Wilmington baseball Monday night, earning a 6-5 victory over the Laurinburg Highland Hooligans in their inaugural game.
The Ghost Crabs are a new summer collegiate wood-bat baseball team competing in the Old North State League. The organization is playing its inaugural season at Brooks Field on the campus of UNCW.
Fans arrived early for the historic opener, lining up outside the team’s merchandise stand, known as “The Crab Pot,” before first pitch. Hats, shirts and replica jerseys were among the items available as supporters prepared for the first home game in franchise history.
One fan said the atmosphere brought back memories of playing baseball as a child and said he was excited to support the new team.
“It really just reminds me of when I was nine years old playing little league,” Mike Dillon said.
Ghost Crabs merchandise and general operations intern Hayden Ferris said she enjoyed seeing the community turnout for opening night.
“It was exciting getting to meet everyone and talk to everybody,” Ferris said. “It was great to have everyone out for the first game.”
The energy carried into the game itself as fans packed the stands throughout the night.
The Ghost Crabs fell behind early, with Laurinburg infielder Frankie Himmelreich III recording two hits and an early RBI.
But the home side continued to battle, and while trailing by one run in the eighth inning, shortstop Gavin Marceric delivered the biggest hit in franchise history so far, ripping a two-run double to give the Ghost Crabs the lead.
The home team held on through the ninth inning to secure the 6-5 win and begin its season with a victory.
Other top performers included utility player Ryan Seagroves, who recorded two RBIs in his only at-bat.
The Ghost Crabs are locally owned by Wilmington residents Rob and Emily Good. They are led by General Manager Tom Lamont and Head Coach Trent Mongero, a former UNCW standout and current Wilmington Christian Academy varsity baseball coach.
The Ghost Crabs return to Brooks Field on Wednesday night to host the Mid State Melon Mashers at 7 p.m.
