EARLY RUNS LIFT ‘BIRDS PAST TOURISTS, 6-3

Shorebirds Turn Four Double Plays

Asheville, N.C. – The Shorebirds scored five runs in the first three innings and turned it over to the pitching staff to defeat the Tourists, 6-3, in game three at McCormick Field. Jake Cowan earned his third win of the season in seven strong innings.

The ‘Birds started early in the top of the first inning. Ty Kelly drew a leadoff walk. Two batters later, Conley ripped a single to right field to advance Kelly to third. Kelly scored on a grounder to second by Tyler Stampone that was booted by Avery Barnes.

The Tourists responded in the bottom of the first. Avery Barnes hit a one out single. He moved to second on a walk to Jared Clark. Then, Joe Sanders knocked home Barnes with a single to tie the game at 1-1.

In the third, the Shorebirds were back on the attack. With one out, Gary Helmick hit a single to left-center field. Helmick stole second and advanced to third on an error by Angelys Nina. With runners at the corners, Tyler Stampone blasted a double off the center field wall to bring home Helmick and Conley.

The ‘Birds extended their lead in the fourth inning. Michael Ohlman hit a one out single. Garabez Rosa then smashed a line drive double to the wall in center field to score Ohlman. The next batter, Kelly, hit a double to the left field corner to score Rosa.

Brian Conley belted his first home run of the season over the 42 foot high wall in right-center field in the seventh inning.

Jake Cowan tossed a seven inning gem to earn his third win of the season. He surrendered eight hits and two runs. Cowan lowered his ERA to 2.40.

Josh Dowdy picked up his third save of the season. With runners at first and second in the bottom of the ninth, he induced a double play ball off the bat of Joe Sanders to end the game.

The Shorebirds end the road trip on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood makes his fifth start of the season.