SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 6/24 vs. Lakewood

PREVIEW: Following three days off for the all-star break, the Shorebirds open the second half with five games against the BlueClaws. The Shorebirds also opened the second half in 2009 against the BlueClaws. The two teams will meet 19 times in the second half of the season.

SECOND HALF HISTORY: Here are the Shorebirds records in the second half since 2005: 30-37 (2009), 40-30 (2008), 34-35 (2007), 27-42 (2006), 42-27 (2005), 34-35 (2004). The ‘Birds won the second half crown in 2005. The ‘Birds are one game over .500 since the 2004 season in the second half (207-206).

6 OF 7 TO END HALF: The Shorebirds won six of their final seven games at Perdue Stadium to end the first half of the season. The six-game winning streak was their longest of the season. The ‘Birds outscored the opposition 29-17 during the stretch.

THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).

ALL-STAR: The 51st All-Star Game finished in a 5-5 tie in 10-innings on Tuesday night. Brian Conley went 0-1 with a walk, Garabez Rosa went 0-2 while Jesse Beal was pinned with a blown save in an inning of work. He allowed two hits and a run.

MORELAND NAMED SAL PITCHER OF THE WEEK: Kenny Moreland was named the SAL Pitcher of the Week for the final week of the first half. He went 2-0 with a flawless 0.00 ERA. His signature start was an eight-inning gem against Lexington on June 19. He allowed only two hits.

POPE’S STREAK STOPPED: On the last day of the first half, Kieron Pope had his season best 12-game hit streak snapped with an 0-for-5 day. His average peaked at .361 during the stretch but he dropped down to .337.

STAMPONE’S DOUBLE’S STRING: The Meadowbrook, Pa. native has several streaks going heading into the second half. He takes a five-game hit streak, four-game doubles streak and a three-game RBI string into game one against Lakewood. Stampone had five hits (four doubles) and six RBIs against the Legends. A six-game hitting streak would be a season high for Stampone. His career long hit streak is seven, accomplished last season with the GCL Orioles (August 5-16).

JUNE AT HOME: The Shorebirds are 9-2 at home in the month of June at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds nine of the final ten games at home to end the half.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: Ty Kelly walked seven times in the four-game series against Lexington. He ranks second on the team in walks with 33. Kelly has only fanned 34 times.

3-FOR-19: Rosa finished the first half of the season 3-for-19 at the plate. His batting average has dipped to .263, the lowest it has been since April 12.

FIVE MAN ROTATION: The Shorebirds will open the second half in a five man rotation: Luis Noel, Nathan Moreau, Kenny Moreland, Jesse and Bobby Bundy. Matt Hobgood is expected to join the rotation.

FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES: T.J. Baxter has scored a run in five consecutive games (6 total). His on-base percentage has gone from .321 to .349 during the stretch. His batting average from .239 to .259 during the same stretch.

10 K IN LAST 18: Steve Bumbry struck out in 10 of his final 18 at-bats in the first half of the season. Bumbry has fanned a season high 84 times. Only Anthony Hewitt of the Lakewood BlueClaws has struck out more times (87) in the league.

ON PACE FOR RECORD: Brian Conley walked 50 times in the first half of the season, second in the SAL. He is on pace to break the Shorebirds single-season record for walks of 97, set in 1997 by Tim DeCines.

SIX STRAIGHT WINS: Shorebirds starters won six straight games between June 14 and June 19. Kenny Moreland won games on both ends of the stretch.