SHOREBIRDS DOWN POWER, 4-3, IN SERIES OPENER

Tom Phelps Earns First Win

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds plated a ninth inning run to squeeze past the West Virginia Power, 4-3, at Appalachian Power Park on Tuesday night. Mike Mooney and Mikey Planeta each recorded two hits while West Virginia committed four errors.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Power took an early lead. David Rubenstein was hit by a pitch with two outs to get aboard. Then, Aaron Baker blasted a double off the top of the center field wall to score Rubenstein from first.

Delmarva established their first lead of the day in the second inning. Ty Kelly hit a towering triple towards the right field corner to open the inning. Then, Justin Dalles crushed his third home run of the season over the center field wall to give the ‘Birds a 2-1 advantage.

The Power responded immediately in the bottom of the second. After Ramon Cabrera grounded out to third, Jesus Brito hit a home run to left field to tie the game at 2-2.

The Shorebirds regained the lead in the sixth inning. Ty Kelly drew a lead off walk, his 39th of the season. Then, Levi Carolus reached on an error by shortstop Elevys Gonzalez. Then, Mikey Planeta singled to load the bases. Garabez Rosa drew a walk to force home Kelly from third.

The Power tied the game in the eighth inning on a run scoring double by Jarek Cunningham to the left field corner.

The Shorebird grabbed the lead right back in the top of the ninth inning. Rosa connected on a lead off single. Brian Conley then placed a perfect sacrifice bunt to push Rosa to second. Two batters later, Tyler Townsend ripped a two-hopper to first base and Aaron Baker had it bounce off his wrist and down the right field line to score Rosa.

Tom Phelps recorded the first two outs in the ninth inning and James Brandhorst struck out Evan Chambers to end the game.

Bobby Bundy allowed just two hits over six innings of work. Phelps earned his first win of the season in 2.2 innings of work. Brandhorst earned his third save of the season.

The Shorebirds and Power square off in game two on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Luis Noel will make the start for the Shorebirds.