CRAWDADS SHUT DOWN SHOREBIRDS OFFENSE IN 4-1 WIN

Game Two Set for 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday Afternoon

Hickory, N.C. – Hickory (14-11) scored four unanswered runs and held Delmarva (13-11) scoreless until the eighth inning en route to a 4-1 win in game one of the series at L.P. Frans Stadium. The ‘Birds left nine base runners and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The Shorebirds will drop into second place in the division.

The Crawdads plated the first run of the night in the second. Jared Bolden reached courtesy of a walk. He moved to third as Garabez Rosa misplayed a slow chopper towards short to put runners at the corners. Then, Mike Ortiz grounded into a double play to score Bolden.

In the fifth, the Crawdads took a 2-0 lead. After two outs were recorded, Travis Adair singled. He stole second and scored on a single to left field by Jared Prince.

The Crawdads further extended the lead in the sixth inning. Zach Zaneski opened the frame with a single. Ortiz then drew a walk. Brent Allar was then replaced by Nick Haughian on the hill. A bunt by Cody Podraza loaded the bases for Yefry Castillo. The newest member of the Crawdads proceeded to hit a line drive single to left field to plate two runs and stretch the lead to 4-0.

The Shorebirds cut into the deficit in the eighth inning. Ty Kelly led off with a single up the middle. He moved to second on a slow chopper up the first baseline by Tyler Townsend. Kelly took third on a wild pitch and scored on a rocket single back up the middle by Kieron Pope.

Matt Thompson (7-7) earned the win in seven stellar innings. He allowed six hits and no runs. The right-hander also fanned six and did not issue a walk.

Brent Allar (2-1) was pinned with the loss in five innings of work. He surrendered five hits and four runs.

Tyler Tufts earned a five out save, his third of the season. He did not allow a hit in the final 1.2 innings.

The Shorebirds and Crawdads return for game two of the series on Wednesday afternoon at 12:00 p.m. RHP Kenny Moreland makes the start for Delmarva.