NOEL HURLS GEM AS ‘BIRDS TOP CRAWDADS 3-1

Josh Dowdy Picks Up 13th Save of the Season

Salisbury, Md. – Luis Noel tossed eight strong innings as the Shorebirds topped the Hickory Crawdads 3-1 in game three at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Tuesday night. Noel is just the second Shorebirds starting pitcher to finish the eighth inning. Kenny Moreland went through eighth on June 19 against Lexington.

The ‘Birds plated the first run in the bottom of the first. Brian Conley hit a lead off single to right field. After a sacrifice bunt by Mike Mooney advanced Conley to third, he scored on a line drive single to left by Tyler Townsend.

In the fourth inning, the Shorebirds went on the offensive. Townsend hit a lead off single up the middle. Then, Kieron Pope blasted his fifth homer of the season over the left field wall to give the Shorebirds a 3-0 lead.

The Crawdads plated their lone run in the fifth inning. Mike Ortiz hit a lead off homer over the right field wall.

Luis Noel stifled the Crawdads all night to earn his fourth win of the season. In eight strong innings, he allowed only five hits. Noel also fanned 10 batters.

Robbie Erlin was pinned with the loss in 3.2 innings pitched. He allowed six hits and three runs.

The Shorebirds and Crawdads meet in the finale on Wednesday morning at 10:35 a.m. RHP Kenny Moreland makes the start.