POPE’S BIG NIGHT LEADS DELMARVA TO 7-1 GAME TWO WIN

Luis Noel Tosses Five One-Hit Innings to Earn the Win

Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds scored seven unanswered runs over the sixth and seventh innings to top the West Virginia Power, 7-1, at Appalachian Power on Wednesday night. Kieron Pope lead the offensive effort by matching his season high with four RBIs. The Shorebirds outhit the Power 10-5.

After five scoreless innings, the Shorebirds finally cracked the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Brian Conley led off with his team best 54th walk of the season. Ty Kelly followed with a sacrifice bunt to push Conley to second. Tyler Townsend then singled to put runners at the corners. Then, Kieron Pope ripped a double to deep center field to score both runners to give the ‘Birds a 2-0 edge. Two batters later, Mikey Planeta hit a soft blooper into right field to score Pope.

In the seventh inning, the Shorebirds tacked on four more runs. With Luis Bernardo at second and two outs, Ty Kelly wrapped a double down the right field line to plate Bernardo. Then, Tyler Townsend blasted a double to deep center field to score Kelly, which gave the Shorebirds a 5-0 cushion. Pope followed with his fourth homer of the season over the left field wall.

Right-hander Luis Noel earned the win in five solid innings. He allowed just one hit, a bunt single by Evan Chambers in the fifth inning. Nick Haughian shut­­down the Power in the sixth and seventh innings while Brent Allar slammed the door in the eighth and ninth innings.

The Shorebirds return to action on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Kenny Moreland makes the start for Delmarva.