SHOREBIRDS BLAST SUNS IN SERIES OPENER, 9-3

‘Birds Plate Six Runs in the Third Inning

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds plated six runs in the third inning and cruised to a 9-3 win at Municipal Stadium to open the four-game series on Saturday night. The Shorebirds plated six runs in the sixth inning to pull away from the Suns. The Shorebirds are now 2-3 against the Suns this season.

Hagerstown scored the first run of the night in the bottom of the first. Francisco Soriano reached on an error by shortstop Garabez Rosa. He was sacrificed to second base on a bunt by Sean Nicol. Two batters later, Justin Bloxom connected on a double down the left field to score Soriano.

The Shorebirds ripped apart Hagerstown starter Josh Smoker in the third. Rosa jump started the frame with a single. Two batters later, Gary Helmick doubled to left center to put runners at second and third. Mikey Planeta then walked to load the bases. Smoker also walked Tyler Kolodny to force in Rosa and tie the game at 1-1. Then, Tyler Stampone belted a bases clearing double to right-center field to give the ‘Birds a 4-1 lead. Two batters later, Luis Bernardo hit a two run double to left-center field to give the Shorebirds a 6-1 lead.

The Shorebirds proceeded to score one in the fifth, one in the seventh and one in the eighth.

Jake Cowan improved to 2-0 on the year in six stellar innings. He allowed two earned runs on six hits and struck out a season high eight batters. Jake Smith tossed two scoreless innings and James Brandhorst pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

The Shorebirds play the Hagerstown Suns on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m.