ROSA ROCKETS WALK OFF HOME RUN IN SERIES OPENER

First Rounder Matt Hobgood Tosses Seven Shutout Innings

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds and the Greensboro Grasshoppers played eight scoreless innings until Garabez Rosa connected on a solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to vault the ‘Birds into the winners circle on Tuesday night at Perdue Stadium. Matt Hobgood allowed just two hits in seven stellar innings.

Matt Hobgood and Greensboro’s starter Erick Carrillo were locked up in a pitcher’s duel through the first six innings. Carrillo departed after six shutout frames, while Hobgood went through the seventh. They each allowed just two hits. Hobgood fanned six batters and walked just one, while Carrillo struck out five and walked one.

Rosa was the first batter in the bottom of the ninth inning. He blasted the 1-0 pitch from reliever Alejanero Ramos over the left center field to send Perdue Stadium into a frenzy. It was Rosa’s first home run of the season.

Jake Smith (3-0) picked up the win in two shutout innings. He surrendered just one hit.

Tyler Townsend went 1-for-3 in his debut with the Shorebirds. Townsend played at nearby Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware.

The ‘Birds return to the diamond on Wednesday morning at 10:35 a.m. RHP Jesse Beal makes his third start of the season.

For tickets and information, call the Shorebirds Box Office at 410-219-3112.