Schutz, Pope Lead Shorebirds in 9-1 Win

Salisbury, Md. - Kipp Schutz notched a career high six RBIs to lead the Delmarva Shorebirds (3-1) to a 9-1 win over the Greensboro Grasshoppers (1-3) on Sunday afternoon at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Jacob Pettit and Aaron Swenson combined to hold the Grasshoppers in check all game long. The Shorebirds improved to 3-1 and have now won the opening series of the season three straight years. Pope and Schutz combined for seven hits and eight RBIs.

Greensboro struck first in the top of the second inning. Ryan Fisher connected on a lead off single. Two batters later, Aaron Dudley singled followed by a walk to Jacob Realmuto. Then, Joe Bonadonna hit a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home Fisher.

The Shorebirds responded immediately in the bottom of the second. Kieron Pope led off with a solo home run over the left-center field wall to tie the score at 1-1. After Jonathan Schoop grounded out, the next three Shorebirds hitters reached to load the bases. Brian Conley followed with an RBI single to give the 'Birds a 2-1 edge.

The Shorebirds added two more runs in the third inning. Manny Machado started the inning with a double to the wall in left-center field. Three batters later, Kipp Schutz delivered a two-run double through the left-center field alley.

The game was broken wide open in the fourth inning. After a Machado walk, Pope drilled a double to right-center field to score Machado from first to increase the lead to 5-1. After a Schoop single, Schutz belted a three-run homer to lift the Shorebirds to an 8-1 lead.

Delmarva added one more run in the sixth inning on another Schutz RBI single to score Schoop, who led off the frame with a triple down the right field line.

Jacob Pettit earned the win in 5.2 strong innings. He allowed only four hits and one run. Aaron Swenson followed Pettit and held the Grasshoppers to only one hit over the final 3.1 innings pitched. Swenson struck out one and did not walk a batter.

The Shorebirds have scored nine runs in the second inning this season through four games.

The Shorebirds open a four-game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators on Monday night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. RHP Scott Copeland is expected to start for Delmarva.

For tickets and more information, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.