Everett Cooper Scores on a Walk Off Balk, FredNats Beat Shorebirds 5-4

Fredericksburg, VA - The Fredericksburg Nationals walked it off on a balk, beating the Delmarva Shorebirds 5-4 to take the first two games of the series for the first time in almost two months.

Washington’s 2025 3rd round pick Landon Harmon got his 3rd start back from the injured list today and continued to look very impressive. He did give up a homerun for the first time in his pro career, a solo shot by Jordan Sanchez in the 3rd, but that was the only run he gave up in 3.2 innings. Harmon has allowed just 1 run through his first 8 innings back from the injured list.

By the time Harmon’s day was done, the offense gave him the lead. In the bottom of the 3rd, after a quick couple of outs, Luke Dickerson hit a solo home run, his 13th of the season to tie the game. Coy James then walked, Gavin Fien singled, and with two men on, Hunter Hines came through with a two RBI double to make it 3-1.

The Shorebirds put together a two out rally of their own in the top of the 7th to retake the lead. Jaden Lo Re hit his second double of the night to make it a one run game. He was then brought across by DJ Layton who singled to make it 3-3. Jhomnardo Reyes hit an RBI single to bring across Layton and put Delmarva up 4-3.

The FredNats responded right away. In the bottom of the 7th, Jamison Jones led off the inning with a solo home run, his 9th of the year, to tie the game up 4-4.

In extra innings, RHP Gus Hughes worked a scoreless frame. Everett Cooper was the automatic runner at second base. He was moved to third on a Manny Cabrera fly out. Cooper then scored as the Shorebirds pitcher Zac Lampton balked to walk it off.

With the win, the FredNats have now won four of their last five games, and take the first two of a series for the first time since mid-June. They’ll go for at least a split tomorrow as RHP Marlon De La Cruz starts against a starter TBD. First pitch from Virginia Credit Union Stadium is set for 6:35 PM.