Shorebirds top 'Dads, 5-4, in rain-shortened game

HICKORY, NC - The Delmarva Shorebirds edged the 1st-Half Northern Division Champion Hickory Crawdads, 5-4, in a rain-shortened, seven-inning game before 888 fans at L.P. Frans Stadium. The game entered a rain delay after the seventh inning and was called 30 minutes later by the umpires due to inclement weather.

After Hickory RHP Matt Thompson (L, 3-5) struck out the side in the first inning, the Shorebirds (40-43, 6-8) struck for five runs in second to move in front. Three straight walks started the inning, with a wild pitch plating the first run of the frame. One out later, CF Mikey Planeta worked a walk to reload the bases. After Thompson struck out 2B Mike Mooney for the stanza's second out, C Joe Oliveira and LF Ty Kelly knocked consecutive two-run singles to stretch the Shorebirds lead to 5-0.

The Crawdads (48-33, 8-6) started chipping away in the bottom of the second against LHP Tim Berry (W, 2-5). LF Alejandro Selen reached with a one-out single and advanced to second when CF Jake Skole was hit by a pitch. During C Yefry Castillo's at-bat, Selen broke from second too early on a steal attempt, and a run down started between second and third. With Skole breaking from first during the play, Selen was able to dive into third safely, and Delmarva turned its focus to Skole in the run down between first and second. While the Shorebirds chased Skole back and forth, Selen charged home and beat the throw to the plate, cutting Delmarva's lead to 5-1.

Hickory continued to come back with two more tallies in the bottom of the fifth. Skole worked a walk to start the inning and took second on a one-out bunt single by SS Jonathan Roof. Both runners completed a double steal, advancing ninety feet each, before 2B Odubel Herrera brought both in with a two-run single to right-center field, bringing the 'Dads within two runs, 5-3.

The 'Dads pulled within a run of tying the game, striking again in the bottom of the seventh inning. Roof led off with a walk and stole his way to second base. One out later, Roof was off to the races again, scoring on an RBI double by 3B Christian Villanueva, making it 5-4.

However, before the eighth inning started, the rain began pouring down and the game entered a rain delay. After 30 minutes, the umpires called the game and the Shorebirds registered the 5-4 win in seven innings. Delmarva RHP DJ Ferguson (S, 2) retired the final out in the seventh and got the save.

Click here for the complete box score.

Crawdads Clippings:
The Crawdads start their series against the Lexington Legends on Thursday at 7 p.m. It is Thirsty Thursday, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings, with $1 can beers and Pepsis! Don't miss the post-game concert by RunWithFear. Thursday is also Classic Rock Night and 70s Night - all fans born in the 1970s get a Half Off Ticket! Gates open at 6 p.m.

Click here for the full promotional schedule.

Get Tickets:
Individual tickets, corporate partnerships, group outings and ticket plans for the 2011 season are available right now at the Crawdads Front Office or by calling (828) 322-3000. You can even purchase and print your tickets from the comfort of your home on Hickorycrawdads.com!