‘BIRDS COMEBACK AND KNOCK OFF SUNS, 4-3

First Home Series Win of the 2010 Season

Salisbury, Md. – Trailing 3-1 in the eighth inning, the Shorebirds used three hits including a two-run homer by Kieron Pope to defeat the Suns 4-3 at Perdue Stadium on Tuesday. The Shorebirds completed their first home series win of the season.

The Suns tallied runs in the second and third innings to build a 2-0 lead. Brett Newsome hit a lead-off double in the second and scored on a J.P. Ramirez single. In the third, Sandy Leon hit a single and scored later in the frame on a double by Jeff Kobernus.

The Shorebirds began the comeback in the sixth inning. Gary Helmick led off with a single and scored on a towering two-out RBI triple to the right-center field gap to cut the deficit to 2-1.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Suns added a run to build a 3-1 edge.

The Shorebirds responded in the home half of the eighth to take their first lead of the night. Ty Kelly led off with a double chopped up the right field line. Then, Brian Conley hit a single into center field to cut the deficit to 3-2. The next batter, Kieron Pope, hit a line drive homer over the left-center field wall to give the ‘Birds a 4-3 lead.

Josh Dowdy came on in the ninth inning and picked up his eighth save of the season. Brian Conley ended the game with a magnificent throw from the foul pole in right field to second base to nail J.P. Ramirez.

Nick Haughian earned the win by tossing a scoreless eighth inning. Shorebirds starter Luis Noel carried the game through the seventh inning. He surrendered eight hits and two earned runs.

The Shorebirds return to action on Thursday night against the Lexington Legends at Applebee’s Park.