GRASSHOPPERS DROP ‘BIRDS ON SINGLE IN 10TH INNING, 9-8

Finale Set For Friday Night at 7:00 p.m.

Greensboro, N.C. – The Greensboro Grasshoppers scored five unanswered runs in the late innings to defeat the Delmarva Shorebirds, 9-8, in ten innings at NewBridge Bank Park Thursday.

The Grasshoppers built a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Kyle Jensen got things going with a lead-off single. Kyle Skipworth then hit an RBI double down the line that rolled to the wall after Levi Carolus dove out and couldn’t make the catch. Rand Smith followed with a two-run homer over the left-center field wall.

The Shorebirds exploded in the third with the aid of pitcher Chad James and sloppy defense. Gary Helmick and Ty Kelly recorded back-to-back singles. After a strike out, Tyler Stampone walked to load the bases. Then, Mikey Planeta was hit by a pitch to force in Helmick. Steve Bumbry then walked to plate Kelly. Michael Ohlman also walked to score Stampone. Garabez Rosa then belted a bases clearing double to the wall in center field to give the ‘Birds a 6-3 edge. Rosa scored on an error by third baseman Chase Austin.

The Grasshoppers plated a run in the fifth inning courtesy of an RBI single by Kyle Jensen.

The Shorebirds countered the run with one in the seventh. With Stampone at third, Bumbry delivered a sacrifice fly to left-center field to give the ‘Birds an 8-4 cushion.

In the seventh, Greensboro stormed back. Jose Torres was issued a lead-off walk. Jose Duarte and Chase Austin also walked to load the bases. Justin Bass then connected on a two run single. The Grasshoppers went onto plate two more runs to tie the game at eight.

In the tenth inning, Justin Bass hit a laser down the left field with Jose Torres at third to give the Grasshoppers the win.

Shorebirds starter Nate Moreau lasted 4.1 innings. He allowed five hits and four runs.

The win went to Alejanero Ramos, who pitched the ninth and tenth innings. Jake Smith was tagged with the loss.

The Shorebirds and Grasshoppers square off in the finale on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood makes the start for Delmarva.