MORELAND DAZZLES IN 1-0 SERIES OPENING WIN

‘Birds Win Fourth Straight Home Game

SALISBURY, Md. – Right-hander Kenny Moreland pitched a masterful seven innings, allowing just three hits and a walk and Garabez Rosa tallied an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh as the Delmarva Shorebirds topped the Kannapolis Intimidators at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Monday.

Moreland (2-2) struck out three and walked none for the win. The Norfolk, Va., native, retired 12-of-13 Kannapolis batters from the third through the sixth inning and Nick Haughian and Josh Dowdy worked perfect eighth and ninth frames to nail down the win. Dowdy earned his ninth save of the season in as many chances.

Rosa finished 1-for-3 with Delmarva’s only extra-base hit on the night and the game-winning RBI. T.J. Baxter, Kieron Pope, Steve Bumbry and Mikey Planeta secured the Shorebirds’ other four hits. Pope’s fourth-inning single extended his hitting streak to eight games. He’s now hitting .406 during the string.

Moreland surrendered singles to Brady Shoemaker, Ian Gac and a double to Jordan Cheatham.

Rosa’s double scored Tyler Stampone who walked to start the inning. A Mikey Planeta sacrifice bunt moved Stampone into scoring position.

Garrett Johnson (2-2) took the loss for Kannapolis. He threw two innings, issued three walks and the game-winning knock, spoiling a solid out from Intimidators’ starter Justin Collop. The righty went six innings himself and allowed just four hits, two walks and struck out five.

The Shorebirds and Intimidators square off in Game 2 of the series Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112. On the mound will be right-hander Bobby Bundy (1-3, 4.29). Kannapolis goes with righty Matt Hopps (1-4, 5.55).