SHOREBIRDS OPEN SECOND HALF WITH TWO LOSSES TO LAKEWOOD

Moreau Matches Career High With Nine Strikeouts

Salisbury, Md. – The Lakewood BlueClaws produced two big innings on Friday night to take two games from the Delmarva Shorebirds at Perdue Stadium to begin the second half. The Shorebirds have dropped three straight dating back to the end of the first half.

The BlueClaws won the completion of the suspended game, 5-2, and took a seven-inning game two, 2-1. Tyler Townsend notched three hits and two RBIs over the two games in his return from injury.

The two teams resumed the suspended game from Thursday night in the top of the third. Lakewood took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Leandro Castro and Jonathan Singleton connected on back-to-back singles. After a double steal put runners at second and third, Sebastian Valle delivered an RBI sacrifice fly to center field.

The ‘Birds tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth. Steve Bumbry blasted a lead off double to right field. He moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a bounce out to first off the bat of Tyler Townsend.

The BlueClaws scored three runs in the sixth inning to build a 4-1 lead. Anthony Hewitt, Stephen Batts and Alan Shoenberger each recorded RBI hits as eight batters came to the plate.

The Shorebirds were unable to recover as Jonathan Pettibone tossed six strong innings to earn the win. He allowed just two hits and two runs. Pat Kantakevich was pinned with the loss in three innings. He surrendered eight hits and four runs.

In game two of the day, Nate Moreau and Josh Zeid were locked in a pitcher’s duel for the first three innings. Josh Zeid went through the third and allowed one hit and no runs. He struck out five. Nate Moreau held the BlueClaws hitless through four and tied his career high with nine strikeouts in six strong innings.

The BlueClaws finally deciphered Moreau in the fifth inning. Three consecutive hits produced the lone two runs for Lakewood. Stephen Batts hit an RBI single up the middle while Jiwan James doubled down the left field line.

The ‘Birds plated their only run in the sixth inning. Brian Conley led off with a flare double down the left field line. He advanced to third on a ground out to first by Ty Kelly and scored on a grounder to short by Tyler Townsend.

Eric Massingham earned the win in three stellar innings on the hill. He gave up just two hits and a run. Nate Moreau was pinned with the loss.

The Shorebirds return to action on Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. RHP Kenny Moreland will make the start for the Shorebirds.