SHOREBIRDS TOP BLUECLAWS 7-4 IN GAME THREE OF SERIES

SHOREBIRDS TOP BLUECLAWS 7-4 IN GAME THREE OF SERIES

Kenny Moreland Wins Fourth Straight Start

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds scored all seven of their runs in the first four innings to defeat the Lakewood BlueClaws, 7-4, on Saturday night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Mikey Planeta recorded three hits while Steve Bumbry notched four RBIs. All four of Bumbry’s runs-batted-in came with two outs.

The Shorebirds raced to an early lead in the first inning. Brian Conley walked for a 52nd time this season to open the inning. Ty Kelly then singled. After two outs were recorded, Steve Bumbry lashed a two run double to right-center field to give the Shorebirds a 2-0 edge. Two batters later, Mikey Planeta connected on a sharp single into right field to give the ‘Birds a 3-0 edge.

In the third, the Shorebirds added a run. Gary Helmick was issued a lead off walk. Luis Bernardo then delivered a single to push Helmick to third. Then, Brian Conley hit a line drive sacrifice fly to left field to give the ‘Birds a 4-0 lead.

The Shorebirds built a 7-0 lead in the fourth. Brian Conley hit a one out triple to right-center field. Then, Ty Kelly hit a single back up the middle to give the ‘Birds a 5-0 lead. Later in the inning, Steve Bumbry bounced a double up the right field line to plate two more runs.

The BlueClaws battled with two runs in the sixth and seventh innings but fell short.

Kenny Moreland earned his fourth straight win in 5.2 innings pitched. He allowed just five hits and two runs. Moreland also fanned nine batters, one shy of his career high. He struck out six straight batters between the end of the first inning and the middle of the third inning.

Nick Haughian, James Brandhorst, Josh Dowdy and Brent Allar followed Moreland to close out the BlueClaws. Allar picked up the final out to earn the save after Dowdy took a line drive off the pinky finger on his right hand.

The Shorebirds and BlueClaws square off in game four of the series on Sunday afternoon at 5:05 p.m. RHP Jesse Beal makes the start for the Shorebirds. For tickets and information, call the Shorebirds Box Office at 410-219-3112 or visit www.theshorebirds.com.