‘Birds Fall Flat in Loss to FredNats

FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Delmarva Shorebirds never found their footing in a 5-1 loss to the Fredericksburg Nationals on Tuesday night at FredNats Ballpark.

The Shorebirds (41-31) managed to strike first in the contest but it was the Nationals (24-49) that had the last laugh.

With one out in the second innings, Ryne Ogren and Trevor Kehe worked back-to-back walks before Willy Yahn laced a single to left to load the bases. Yorkislandy Alavrez then grounded into a force out at home, but the ensuing throw to first was wild, allowing Kehe to race home from second with the game’s first run.

The FredNats answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Junior Martina singled to begin the frame and one out later Kevin Strohschein worked a walk. After another strikeout, Geraldi Diaz was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jake Boone cashed in on the opportunity with a three-run triple down the left field line, putting the FredNats ahead 3-1.

In the third, Ricardo Mendez walked before swiping second base for the Nationals. On a groundout to third, Mendez attempted to advance to third, forcing a throwing error that allowed him to score on the play and make it a 4-1 FredNats lead.

Mendez used his speed again to plate a run in the fifth. Mendez singled with two away and stole second before Junior Martina bounced a single to center to score Mendez and bring the game to its final line of 5-1.

Carlos Romero (2-3) earned the win for the FredNats, going five innings while allowing just an unearned run on two hits and four walks, striking out three.

Jean Pinto (0-1) took the loss for the Shorebirds in his Delmarva debut. Pinto punched out eight over four innings, but allowed four runs (three earned) on two hits and three walks.

Adam Stauffer was a highlight for the Shorebirds out of the bullpen, firing three no-hit innings, allowing just two walks while striking out six.

The Shorebirds had just one extra-base hit in the game, an Alverez double.

In addition to his three-run triple, Boone also added a walk and stolen base for the FredNats. Martina finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and run score to help pace the FredNats as well.

The Shorebirds look to bounce back as they take on the FredNats again on Wednesday, July 28. Shane Davis (4-4, 6.99) goes for Delmarva against Rodney Theophile (1-7, 4.30) for the FredNats. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from FredNats Ballpark with pregame coverage beginning at 6:50 p.m. on Fox Sports 960 AM as well as streaming online on the IHeart app with Sam Jellinek on the call. MiLB.TV coverage will be provided by the FredNats.
*
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.