SHOREBIRDS WIN THRILLER ON 15th INNING WALK OFF

Gary Helmick Records Game Winning Hit

Salisbury, Md. – Gary Helmick hit a fly ball to deep left field to score T.J.Baxter in the bottom of the 15th inning to give the ‘Birds a walk off 2-1 win over the Hagerstown Suns on Saturday night at Perdue Stadium.

The Suns plated their lone run in the top of the first inning. Francisco Soriano hit a double down the left field line. Then, Dan Lyons hit s single to left field to give the Suns a 1-0 lead.

The Shorebirds responded with the tying run in the bottom of the eighth. T.J. Baxter led off with a double into left-center field. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, Baxter scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Brian Conley.

After five scoreless extra-innings, Baxter set the table in the 15th with a single to left field. He advanced to second on a poor throw back into the infield by Destin Hood. Helmick then delivered the game winner to left field.

Shorebirds pitching was outstanding. Nate Moreau went five stellar innings in his second start of the season. Zach Clark tossed two scoreless innings, while Patrick Kantakevich hurled six scoreless innings. Brent Allar earned the win in the final two frames.

The Shorebirds and Suns play the series finale on Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood makes the start for Delmarva.