MORELAND ROCK SOLID IN 7-1 THUMPING OF LEGENDS

‘Birds Win Season High Sixth Straight Game

SALISBURY, Md. – Delmarva exploded for six runs in the third inning and Kenny Moreland pitched eight innings, allowing two hits as the Shorebirds defeated the Lexington Legends, 7-1, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Saturday.

Moreland improved to 3-2 on the season as he helped the ‘Birds (32-37) extend their season-long winning streak to six games. The victory was also the ninth straight at home.

Moreland retired 14 consecutive Legends (34-35) and 17 of the last 18 batters he faced in the win. He struck out four and walked one, giving up a third-inning double by Jiovanni Mier and an eighth-inning two-bagger to Kody Hinze.

The right-hander Moreland was the first Delmarva pitcher to pitch eight innings in a start.

Third baseman Gary Helmick led the Shorebirds’ eight-hit offense with two doubles and two runs while first baseman Tyler Stampone chipped in with two RBI.

The Shorebirds took a 1-0 lead in the first inning after Helmick led off the frame with a blooper down the right-field line. A sacrifice bunt by Ty Kelly moved Helmick to third and with two outs and Stampone up, Lexington starter Brad Dydalewicz (0-1) uncorked a wild pitch to put Delmarva ahead.

Delmarva sent 11 men to the plate in the third, scoring seven runs and knocking Dydalewicz out of the game.

Helmick made it a 2-0 game with a double down the left-field line to plate Jason Stifler. Then, with one out, Stampone doubled down the right field line to bring in Helmick and Kelly for a 4-0 lead. Levi Cololus, Garabez Rosa and Stifler also added run scoring hits in the inning.

Dydalewicz surrendered seven earned runs on six hits in 2.2 innings.

Lexington picked up its only run in the eighth on a passed ball, scoring Hinze from third after his double with no one out in the inning.

The Shorebirds and Legends finish the series on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112. On the mound will be right-hander Bobby Bundy (2-3, 3.98). Lexington goes with righty Robert Donovan (0-0, 0.00).