Hot Start for ‘Birds Fizzles Out in 4-3 loss to ‘Flies

COLUMBIA, S.C.- A quick start for the Delmarva Shorebirds proved not to be enough in a 4-3 loss to the Columbia Fireflies on Tuesday night at Segra Park.

The Shorebirds (6-16) worked quickly against the Fireflies (8-14), singling on the game’s first two pitches to put runners on the corners.

Delmarva then pulled off a double steal with the ensuing throw to second going wild allowing Mishael Deson to go to third where another throwing error allowed him to score putting Delmarva ahead 2-0.

The Shorebirds tacked on another run in the second on an RBI single for Noelberth Romero.

Columbia countered back with a four-run bottom of the second. With runners at second and third to start the inning, Francis Grullon singled home a run before a fielder’s choice loaded the bases. Wilmin Candelario doubled home two to tie the game and after a strikeout, a sacrifice fly for River Town pushed Columbia ahead 4-3.

Both offenses were shut down the rest of the way. Columbia benefitted from three double plays in the late going, as they turned four total in the game. After the second inning, the ‘Birds pitching staff settled in as Daniel Federman, Daniel Lloyd, and Alex Pham allowed just three hits the rest of the way, striking out 12.

Delmarva put a runner on with two outs in the ninth, but Romero flied out to center to end the game.

Luinder Avila (2-3) picked up the win for Columbia after allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits and two walks, striking out three.

Federman (0-3) took the loss for Delmarva after conceding four runs on five hits in four innings, striking out a career high eight.

Luis Barrosso earned the save for Columbia, his second of the year, with a scoreless ninth.

The Shorebirds continue their series with the Fireflies on Wednesday, May 4. Juan De Los Santos (1-2, 1.59) gets the ball for Delmarva against Noah Cameron (0-1, 5.56) for Columbia. First pitch from Segra Park is slated for 12:05 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning at 11:50 a.m. on theshorebirds.com with Sam Jellinek on the call.

ABOUT THE DELMARVA SHOREBIRDS

The Delmarva Shorebirds were founded in 1996 and have been the Class-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles since 1997. The Shorebirds have won two South Atlantic League championships in 1997 and 2000 and were named the MiLB.com Minor League Team of the Year in 2019 after going 90-48 in the regular season. Based in Salisbury, Maryland, the Shorebirds are proud to represent the entire Delmarva Peninsula and have hosted two SAL All-Star Games in 1999 and 2011. The Shorebirds are owned by 7th Inning Stretch, LP, based in Stockton, California headed by Chairman Tom Volpe and President Pat Filippone.