Shorebirds Win Fourth Straight, 11-6
For a fifth consecutive night, the Shorebirds scored the game's first run. T.J. Baxter reached on an error by Jose Torres. After stealing second base, he scored on a double by Levi Carolus to give the 'Birds a 1-0 edge.
Greensboro responded in the bottom of the first. Shorebirds starter Tony Butler struck out the first two batters. The next hitter, Rand Smith, drew a walk. Kyle Jensen then reached on an error by Levi Carolus to prolong the inning. Kyle Skipworth took advantage with a single into center to tie the game at 1-1. After a walk to Brent Weaver to load the bases, Sequoyah Stonecipher hit a bases clearing double to the left field corner to lift the Grasshoppers in front, 4-1.
Down 4-2 in the sixth, the Shorebirds plated three runs to build a 5-4 edge. The big knock was a Ty Kelly two run single into right field to score Steve Bumbry and Justin Dalles.
Shorebirds starter Tony Butler pitched well in four innings of work. He retired ten consecutive batters between the end of the first and the end of the fourth. He allowed just two hits.
The Grasshoppers regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh. With Rand Smith at first base, Kyle Jensen hit a line drive homer that just sailed over the wall in left field to give the 'Hoppers a 6-5 lead.
Trailing 6-5 heading into the ninth, the 'Birds plated six runs. Tyler Kolodny recoded the game-tying RBI with a sacrifice fly to center. Steve Bumbry's double gave the Shorebirds the lead for good. Eleven batters came to the plate in the frame. Greensboro pitching issued five walks in the ninth.
Jake Smith earned his second win of the season in one inning of work.
The Shorebirds play game two of the series on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. RHP Ryan Berry makes his second start of the season.