‘BIRDS SQUASH GRASSHOPPERS, 7-1, IN GAME THREE

Butler Fans Career High Nine Batters

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds scored five runs in the first three innings and cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Greensboro Grasshoppers at Perdue Stadium on Thursday night. Tony Butler earned his first career win at Perdue Stadium in five shutout frames. Shorebirds pitching struck out 17 batters. ­

The Shorebirds wasted no time in jumping out to a 1-0 lead. Brian Conley and Ty Kelly each walked to open the bottom of the first. Tyler Townsend reached on an error by third baseman Chase Austin. Two batters later, Mikey Planeta connected on a sacrifice fly to center field that plated Conley to give the ‘Birds a 1-0 lead.

Delmarva added two more runs in the second. Two more walks by Greensboro starter Curtis Peterson and a single by Garabez Rosa loaded the bases for Townsend. The former Cape Henlopen star hit a two run single up the middle to put the ‘Birds in front 3-0.

The Shorebirds stretched out the lead in the fifth inning. Mikey Planeta singled and Tyler Stampone was hit by a pitch to set the table. Steve Bumbry then blasted a sharp single down the left field line to score Planeta. Stampone scored later in the inning on a Rosa sacrifice fly to right field.

Shorebirds starter Tony Butler was outstanding. He struck out the side in the first inning to set the tone for his start. Butler allowed just two hits through five scoreless innings. He also tied his career high with nine strikeouts.

Nick Haughian was also superb on the hill. In three innings of relief, he struck out six batters.

The Shorebirds are back to the diamond on Friday night at 7:05 p.m.