Grand Slam and Outfield Assist Secure Series Sweep
It was a whirlwind of a game for both sides as the two teams combined for fifteen runs, twenty hits, and six errors. There were a total of twelve runs scored in the first three innings and only a combined three runs the rest of the way.
The Shorebirds jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first thanks to an RBI double by Jeremy Nowak and an RBI single by Michael Ohlman. Rome responded in a big way in the bottom of the inning after Delmarva starter Jarret Martin walked the first three batters he faced to load the bases for last night's hero Evan Gattis. With a 0-2 count Gattis (13) connected for a Grand Slam over the left field wall to give Rome a 4-2 lead. Later in the inning Robert Hefflinger reached on an error and eventually came around to score on an RBI single by Ryan Delgado to give the Braves a 5-2 advantage after one inning.
The two sides would slug it out over the next two innings and Rome took a 7-5 lead into the top of the fourth. Gattis (14) continued his thrashing of Shorebird pitching with another opposite field homer in the bottom of the second which was his third of the series. Both starting pitchers were gone by the end of the fourth after combining for seven innings, fourteen hits, and twelve runs.
Rome's bullpen was stellar as Robert Roth, Tyler Stovall, and Cody Martin combined for six innings, one run, and eight strikeouts.
In the top of the ninth with two outs and a runner on second Joe Oliviera singled to right and Adam Gaylord rounded second in an attempt to score and tie the game. Rome right fielder David Rohm came up and threw out Gaylord at the plate to end the game 8-7 in what was a similar finish to last night's game as Gaylord collided with catcher Ryan Delgado at the plate. Delgado stood his ground and held onto the ball to seal the victory and the sweep of Delmarva.
Tyler Stovall (1-3) earns the win for Rome and Jarret Martin (4-6) takes the loss for Delmarva. Cody Martin picks up his second save.