Mudcats sweep into title series

Carolina awaits winner in the South

ZEBULON -- The Carolina Mudcats pounced on the possibility of getting an extra day off.

The Mudcats swept the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx with a 4-2 win in Game 3 of the Southern League's North Division Championship Series at Five County Stadium on Saturday.

The Mudcats advanced to the Southern League Championship Series, which could begin at Five County Stadium as early as Monday, depending on the outcome of the South Division Championship Series between the Mississippi Braves and the Birmingham Barons.

The first two games of the series will be played in Zebulon.

If Mississippi advances, and Hurricane Ike bears down on the state of Mississippi, Mudcats manager Matt Raleigh said the entire series might have to be played at Five County Stadium.

Mudcats starting pitcher Brett Sinkbeil settled down after a rough beginning on Saturday.

In the top of the first inning, West Tenn center fielder Greg Halman and designated hitter Marshall Hubbard both scored when Sinkbeil made a throwing error to the plate.

The play might have otherwise been an inning-ending double play, and at the least would have prevented any runs from scoring.

West Tenn catcher Adam Moore grounded the ball back to Sinkbeil, who overthrew the catcher, allowing the two runners to score.

"I just didn't set my feet," said Sinkbeil. "I was trying to rush too much."

But his teammates bailed him out with their bats, scoring four runs in the second.

The big blow as a three-run homer by Mudcats catcher Brad Davis.

Raleigh was impressed with the way Sinkbeil responded.

"He got a little nervous or whatever the case may be, but you have to give him some credit," said Raleigh.

In the top of the second inning, Sinkbeil pitched out a jam with men on first and second base and only one out.

"That was huge, because that was a big momentum shift," Raleigh said.

Sinkbeil went on to redeem himself, allowing four hits in five innings for the win.

Mudcats reliever Chris Mobley pitched the ninth, stranding two base runners, to pick up the save.

"We just need three more wins," said Raleigh. "Three more."