Edit Draft SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 7/4 vs. Hickory

PREVIEW: Following a series win over West Virginia, the Shorebirds return to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium for an Independence Day Bash against Hickory (Texas Rangers). The ‘Birds scored four runs in the second inning last night and never trailed.

FIRST ROAD SERIES WIN SINCE: The Shorebirds won their first road series last night since the Asheville series at McCormick field between April 28 and May 1 (3-1). The Shorebirds had lost the last five road series prior to the West Virginia series win (3-2): Kannapolis (1-3), West Virginia (1-3), Hickory (1-3), Greensboro (1-3) and Lexington (0-3).

JULY 4TH ON THE EASTERN SHORE: Tonight marks the first time since 2005 that the Shorebirds are playing at home on July 4th. In front of 10,044 fans, the Shorebirds defeated Hagerstown 6-5 on July 4, 2005. The ‘Birds are 2-4 in July fourth games since 2004.

NINE TRIPLES FOR BUMBRY: Last night, Steve Bumbry recorded his team leading ninth triple of the season. He is the first Shorebirds player to record nine triples in a season since Nate Spears notched 11 in 2004. B.J. Littleton holds the single-season record for triples with 18 in 2001.

JOSH DOWDY RETURNS: After taking a line drive off the pinky finger of his right hand on June 26 against Lakewood, Dowdy returned last night to pick up his 12th save on the season. He is tied with Jose Diaz of Frederick for the organizational lead in saves. In 21 appearances this season, Dowdy sports a 1.09 ERA.

PARKER MAKES DEBUT: Brian Parker made his 2010 debut for the Shorebirds on July 2nd against West Virginia. In two innings, he allowed three hits and a run. The Ontario, Oregon native pitched for the Shorebirds back in 2008. In 35 appearances, he posted a 7-5 record with a 3.65 ERA.

FIRST MULTI-HIT GAME: Luis Bernardo recorded his first multi-hit game of the season last night. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. He also recorded the sixth triple of his career.

.215: The Shorebirds are batting only .215 as a team over the last ten games. Three prominent guys are batting below .200: Ty Kelly (.194), Kieron Pope (.189) and Brian Conley (.192).

DOMINANT LIKE THE SWIMMER: Shorebirds reliever Tom Phelps has been solid since he was added to the roster on June 14. In 10.1 innings, he has allowed just five hits. Phelps is 1-0 with a 0.87 ERA. He earned his win in game one against West Virginia (6/29).