Five-Run Third, Sterling Bullpen, Lead ‘Birds Over Red Sox

SALEM, VA. – Behind the strength of a five-run third inning, the Delmarva Shorebirds coasted to a 6-3 win over the Salem Red Sox on Friday night at Carilion Clinic Field.

The win for the Shorebirds (39-72, 18-28) evened their series with the Red Sox (57-54, 23-23) at two game apiece.

After a scoreless first two innings, the ‘Birds broke out with two outs in the third. Reed Trimble and Jud Fabian doubled to set up runners at second and third. Max Wagner then legged out an infield single to score Trimble. Silas Ardoin was hit by a pitch to load the bases before Frederick Bencosme knocked a two-run single to left, with Ardoin going to third and Bencosme taking second on the throw home. Elio Prado then capped the inning with another two-run single, making it 5-0.

Salem countered with their own big third inning. Kier Meredith and Eddinson Paulino walked to start the frame. After a popup, Tyler Miller drove in both with a double, while taking third on a throwing error. Yorberto Mejicano then brought in Miller with a grounder to second, making it 5-3.

The score stayed at 5-3 all the way until the top of the eighth. Prado singled to start the inning and Adam Reztbach was then hit by a pitch. After a strikeout, Noelberth Romero grounded a single into rightfield to score Prado and bring the game to its final score of 6-3.

Keagan Gillies (1-0) collected the win for the Shorebirds in his first appearance for the club since May. He tossed 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing just a hit while striking out two.

Gabriel Jackson (7-8) suffered the loss for the Red Sox, allowing five runs in 1.2 innings on five hits and a walk, striking out two.

In his professional debut, Reese Sharp earned his first save for the Shorebirds, throwing a scoreless ninth without allowing a hit while walking one and striking out two.

The Shorebirds continue their six-game series against the Salem Red Sox on Saturday, August 20 at Carilion Clinic Field. Deivy Cruz (1-1, 3.22) is scheduled to go for Delmarva while Salem hands the ball to Luis Perales (0-0, -.--). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m with pregame coverage beginning at 5:50 p.m. on theshorebirds.com with Sam Jellinek on the call.

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.