SHOREBIRDS FALL IN 18-INNING MARATHON, 8-7

Longest Shorebirds Game Since 2005 Season

Salisbury, Md. – The Lakewood BlueClaws plated a run in the top of the 18th inning on a bases loaded walk to defeat the Delmarva Shorebirds 8-7 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday night. The game lasted five hours and five minutes and extended in Sunday morning. The last time the Shorebirds played an 18-inning game was on May 20, 2005 against the Kannapolis Intimidators.

The Shorebirds trailed 7-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning before mounting a furious rally. Two outs were recorded before the Shorebirds made a move. Kieron Pope singled while Steve Bumbry and Justin Dalles drew back-to-back-walks. Then, Omar Casamayor lifted a liner into left-center field to score two runs. Later in the inning, Garabez Rosa singled to right field to plate Gary Helmick and Casamayor. Mikey Planeta scored the tying run on a wild pitch by Lakewood reliever Justin Beal.

After eight scoreless frames in extra innings, Lakewood finally scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 18th inning against Shorebirds outfielder Levi Carolus. Jeremy Barnes hit a single through the left side of the infield. Anthony Hewitt was then hit by a pitch. After a sacrifice bunt advanced runners to second and third, Alan Schoenberger walked to load the bases. Carolus then issued a walk to Jonathan Villar to bring home the go-ahead run.

The Shorebirds were unable to score against former Shorebirds pitcher and current Lakewood reliever Joe Esposito in the bottom of the 18th.

Although Carolus was pinned with the loss, the outfielder pitched admirably. In 2.0 innings, he allowed just one hit. He retired Jonathan Singleton, one of the premier prospects in the South Atlantic League, twice.

Joe Esposito earned his first win of the season.

Twelve pitchers toed the rubber in the game. Delmarva pitchers included: Bobby Bundy, Nick Haughian, James Brandhorst, Tom Phelps, David Walters, Brian Parker and Levi Carolus.

The Shorebirds and BlueClaws play game two of the series on Sunday night at 5:05 p.m. RHP Matt Hobgood makes the start for Delmarva against Lakewood righty Josh Zeid.