SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 7/8 @ Lakewood

PREVIEW: The Shorebirds embark on their first series of the season in Lakewood, New Jersey. The Shorebirds won the final two games of their most recent series against Hickory to split the set. The ‘Birds are in fourth place, four games behind the Lakewood BlueClaws, who own the top spot.

ROSA STRUGGLING: Shorebirds shortstop Garabez Rosa is 1-for-23 in his last seven games. His batting average has dipped to .243, the lowest it has been since April 10. Rosa was batting .302 on May 30.

BALL STAYING IN FIRSTENERGY: In 40 games at Lakewood’s FirstEnergy Park, there have been only 33 homers hit. Lakewood has hit more than double the amount of homers on the road (36). Greensboro’s NewBridge Bank Park leads the league with 91 homers in 44 games. Rome’s State Mutual Stadium has seen the fewest homers hit (20).

ALL RIGHTIES: The upcoming series will feature all right-handed starters on both sides. The Shorebirds are batting .246 against righties, while Lakewood is batting .264 against righties. Delmarva’s active roster features three lefties and two switch hitters.

TOP DOUBLES TEAMS: Lakewood ranks first in the SAL in doubles (181) while Delmarva is second in the circuit with 168.

STREAKING: Right fielder Brian Conley is riding a seven-game hit streak into game one. He is 7-for-26 during the stretch. The seven gamer is a season and career high for Conley. Conley has more hits this season (73) then in his two minor league seasons combined (70). He was a SAL All-Star.