BEAL LEADS SHOREBIRDS TO 5-1 SERIES OPENING WIN

Right-Hander Earns Staff High Sixth Win

Lakewood, N.J. – Jesse Beal shutdown the Lakewood BlueClaws in innings two through six as the Shorebirds defeated the BlueClaws 5-1 on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws drew first blood in the bottom of the first. Jiwan James led off with a single to shallow left field. He was picked off by Jesse Beal but reached second as Delmarva failed to execute the rundown. Then, Carlos Ruiz, who is on a major league rehab assignment, hit a double into right-center field to score James.

The Shorebirds knotted the game at 1-1 in the fourth inning. Brian Conley was hit by a pitch to open the inning. Conley stole second and was sacrificed to third by Ty Kelly. Later in the inning, Conley scored on a wild pitch by Josh Zeid on a pitch that skipped through the legs of catcher Ruiz.

The ‘Birds took their first lead of the night in the sixth inning. Mike Mooney hit a lead off single up the middle. Then, Ty Kelly hit a one out single through the left side of the infield. Tyler Townsend then drew a walk to load the bases. Kieron Pope followed with a roller through the right side of the infield to score Mike Mooney. Steve Bumbry followed with a sacrifice fly to left-center field to plate Kelly.

In the ninth inning, the ‘Birds tacked on two more runs. With Justin Dalles at first, Garabez Rosa hit a mammoth homer onto the top of the hill over the field wall. It was his first home run since April 20.

Jesse Beal earned his staff high sixth win of the season in seven strong innings. He scattered seven hits and struck out four.

Kevin Landry tossed a scoreless eighth while Brian Parker shutdown Lakewood in the ninth inning.

The Shorebirds and BlueClaws play game two of the series on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Pat Kantakevich makes the start for Delmarva.