SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 8/22 @ Hickory

PREVIEW: The Shorebirds pitching staff surrendered a season high four home runs as Hickory took game one, 9-4 last night. With 15 games remaining, the Shorebirds are 11.5 games behind Lakewood in the Northern Division. The ‘Birds are now 2-7 at L.P. Frans Stadium this season. The Shorebirds have dropped the series opener in seven of their last eight series.

FIRST INNING HOMERS: T.J. Baxter hit a lead off home run in the first inning last night. It was his fourth first-inning homer this season. He leads the ‘Birds with eight home runs.

DEFENSIVE ISSUES: The Shorebirds made three more errors last night to increase their season total to 183, fourth most in the SAL. The Shorebirds have made 10 errors in their last five games.

BRANDHORST BLOSSOMING: Including two shutout frames on Friday 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.

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.