SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 8/21 @ Hickory

PREVIEW: With 16 games remaining in the 2010 season, the Shorebirds begin their final road swing of the year with game one against Hickory. The Shorebirds have made two separate trips to L.P. Frans Stadium this season. They are 2-6 in Hickory. The ‘Birds are 5-14 in the month of August and rest in last place in the Northern Division, 11.5 behind Lakewood. The Crawdads are 3-7 in his last 10 games and 7-11 in the month of August.

BRANDHORST BLOSSOMING: Including two shutout frames last night, relief pitcher James Brandhorst has not allowed a run in his last six outings (8.1 IP). His ERA has dropped from 4.09 to 3.44.

CAROLUS SCUFFLING: Levi Carolus has just one hit in his 27 at-bats (seven games). His batting average has gone from .232 to .203.

MOST SINCE 2005: Mikey Planeta leads the Shorebirds with 13 outfield assists this season. The last Shorebirds player to record more than 13 outfield assists was Arturo Rivas, who notched 17 in 2005.

AUGUST OFFENSIVE WOES: The Shorebirds are batting just .214 as a team in 19 games in August. Only two players are batting over .250 during the month: Mike Flacco (.279) and T.J. Baxter (.266). Five players are hitting below .200.