SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 5/16 @ West Virginia

PREVIEW: The Shorebirds surrendered four runs over the final two innings as Kannapolis stole the series finale from the Shorebirds. It marked the first time that the Shorebirds lost when leading after eight innings (11-1). The Shorebirds dropped a game to Hickory in the Northern Division. The Crawdads beat the Greensboro Grasshopper 7-2.

WAKE UP: The Shorebirds arrived at the hotel in West Virginia at 3:15 in the morning on Sunday. This will be the quickest travel day turnaround of the 2010 season.

29 HITS, 20 RUNS: Over the final two games of the series against Kannapolis, the Shorebirds plated 20 runs on 29 hits. The Shorebirds hit 12-for-30 with runners in scoring position in the last two games.

CONLEY’S SERIES IN KANNAPOLIS: Shorebirds right fielder Brian Conley continued his outstanding play in Kannapolis. He went 8-for-17 (.471), with three runs and three walks. He reached base 12 times in a four game series. Conley leads the SAL with an on-base percentage of .457.

HOMERLESS DROUGHTS EXTINGUISHED: The Shorebirds’ team homerless drought was stopped at 12 games last night when Tyler Kolodny blasted a 3-2 pitch over the left-center field wall in the fourth inning. Additionally, his personal homerless streak ended at 21 games. His last home run prior to last night came on April 18 against Hagerstown. The Shorebirds last home run came on April 30 at McCormick Field when Brian Conley skied a ball over the 42-foot wall in right field.

BATTING AVERAGE BOOM: Ty Kelly’s batting average has jumped from .219 to .266 over the last seven games. He is 13-for-32 (.406) during the stretch. Kelly has reached base in 16 of his last 17 games played.

UNFRIENDLY APPALACHIAN POWER PARK: The Shorebirds went 0-7 last year at the home of the West Virginia Power. The ‘Birds were outscored 58-21 over the seven games. The ‘Birds went 4-4 at Power Park in 2008. The Shorebirds did post a 4-0 mark at Appalachian Power Park in 2007.

BULLPEN RESTED: The Shorebirds bullpen threw 12.0 innings in the series against Kannapolis. However, the pen is still very much rested. Bobby Bundy and Nick Haughian did not throw in the Kannapolis series. Further, closer Josh Dowdy threw only one inning.

12 GAMES AGAINST LEADERS: Following the West Virginia series, the ‘Birds will play their next 12 games against the top three teams in the North: Hagerstown (20-23), Hickory (24-27) and Lakewood (28-31).

NEW TOP OF ORDER GUY?: The Shorebirds may have found a new lead off hitter in Mike Mooney. He has hit in the top spot seven times and twice over the last series. Five different players have hit lead off this season (T.J. Baxter (19), Ty Kelly (4), Gary Helmick (1), Steve Bumbry (1).

ROAD RAGE: The Shorebirds are batting .280 away from Perdue Stadium. Several guys have been excellent on the road. Brian Conley leads the way with a .403 road batting average. Steve Bumbry is batting .353 on the road. Ty Kelly is hitting .343 on the road. The ‘Birds have plated 115 runs in 19 games on the road (6.05). They have scored 56 runs in 16 games at home (3.5).