SHOREBIRDS KNOCK OFF DIVISION LEADERS HICKORY, 4-3

Beal Earns Staff High Fourth Win of Season

Hickory, N.C. –The Shorebirds grabbed the lead in the sixth inning and held firm for a 4-3 win over Northern Division leaders Hickory on Monday night at L.P. Frans Stadium. Gary Helmick notched the eventual winning hit in the sixth inning.

The Crawdads pounced to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Leury Garcia led off with a bunt single to the right side. Garcia then stole his 22nd base of the season to get into scoring position. Two batters later, Jared Prince singled up the middle to give the Crawdads a 1-0 edge.

The Shorebirds took the lead in the third inning. Michael Ohlman drew a lead off walk. Garabez Rosa followed with a single to right field. Then, Gary Helmick dropped a bunt to the first base side and pitcher Matt Thompson fired wide, allowing Ohlman to score on the throwing error. Rosa advanced to third on the throw and scored on a Ty Kelly ground out to third to give the Shorebirds a 2-1 lead.

In the home half of the third, the Crawdads regained the lead. Jared Prince connected on a two out double. Then, Cristian Santana hit a towering two-run homer over the left field wall to give the ‘Dads a 3-2 advantage.

The Shorebirds tied the score in the fourth inning. Tyler Stampone hit a single to start the frame. Steve Bumbry then ripped a double to deep center field to send Stampone to third. Michael Ohlman drew a one out walk to load the bases. Then, with two outs, Gary Helmick walked to force home Stampone

In the sixth inning, the Shorebirds regained the lead. Mikey Planeta hit a lead off double to the right field corner. After two outs were recorded, Gary Helmick hit a sharp single into left field to give the ‘Birds a 4-3 edge.

Jesse Beal earned his staff high fourth win of the season. In six innings, Beal allowed eight hits and three runs. Jake Smith and Brent Allar held the Crawdads in check in the seventh and eighth innings. Josh Dowdy came on in the ninth inning and nailed down his fifth save of the season.

The Shorebirds and Crawdads will square off in game two of the series on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. RHP Kenny Moreland makes his first start of the season for the Shorebirds. He will be opposed by RHP Neil Ramirez.