‘BIRDS TOSS ONE-HITTER IN 2-0 WIN OVER BLUECLAWS

Moreau Earns First Win in Six Shutout Innings

SALISBURY, Md. – Delmarva starter Nathan Moreau pitched six strong innings, allowing just one hit and right fielder Brian Conley delivered a one-out two-run double in the fifth as the Shorebirds shutout the Lakewood BlueClaws, 2-0, in front of 5,120 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Friday.

Moreau (1-2) and two relievers combined for the Shorebirds’ second shutout of the season when they blanked Greensboro, 1-0, on April 20 at Perdue. The win snaps a three-game losing streak for Delmarva (21-28) while Lakewood (26-22) falls for the first time in three games.

Brent Allar and Josh Dowdy struck out two each pitching the final three innings to complete the shutout. Dowdy picked up his sixth save on the season.

A pitcher’s duel from the start, Moreau set down 13 BlueClaws in order from the end of the first into the top of the sixth inning. He struck out eight, just one off a career high while Lakewood righty Brody Colvin (3-6) went six, fanning six. He scattered four hits and two walks.

Delmarva broke on top in the bottom of fifth on Brian Conley’s two-run double into the right-field corner. With one out and T.J. Baxter reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second prior to a Ty Kelly walk.

A failed pickoff attempt move from Lakewood’s Brody Colvin moved the runners to second and third for the one-out double by Conley, who was thrown out at third trying to stretch it into a triple.

Left fielder Leandro Castro got the only Lakewood hit in the top of the first, a chopper to third base. Delmarva center fielder Mikey Planeta collected two hits and catcher Michael Ohlman tallied one to lead the four-hit attack.

The two RBIs from Conley gave him his first multiple-RBI outing of the season.

The Shorebirds and BlueClaws meet in Game 2 of the series on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112. On the mound will be right-hander Matt Hobgood (2-4, 5.05). Savannah counters with righty Colby Shreve (3-1, 1.70).