Shorebirds Comeback Falls Short in Finale, 4-3

Lakewood, NJ - The Delmarva Shorebirds (17-20) had the go-ahead run at second base in the ninth inning, but fell short as the Lakewood BlueClaws (15-23) took the series finale, 4-3, at FirstEnergy Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The Shorebirds jumped to an early lead in the second. Nik Balog, who increased his hit streak to nine games, doubled to open the inning. He moved to third on a single by Lucas Herbst. With the bases loaded, Chase Weems grounded into a double play, which allowed Balog to score. Adrian Marin followed with an RBI single to center field.

Lakewood answered quickly with two runs in the second to tie the game. Art Charles and Willie Carmona led off with consecutive singles. Former Shorebirds catcher Justin Dalles singled to load the bases. Charles scored on a wild pitch against Shorebirds starter Parker Bridwell. Zach Taylor hit an RBI groundout to plate Carmona.

The BlueClaws took their first lead in the fifth. Brian Pointer hit a fly ball double down the left field line to score Carlos Tocci, who hit a lead off double. 

In the eighth inning, the BlueClaws added an insurance run against reliever Dennis Torres. Roman Quinn drew a two out walk and stole second and third. He scored on a Pointer single into right field to increase the lead to 4-2.

The Shorebirds mounted a rally in the ninth inning. Herbst reached on an error by first baseman Carmona to open the inning. Then, singles by Weems and Marin loaded the bases. Anthony Caronia followed with an infield single towards the hole on the left side to score Herbst. With the bases still loaded, Lorenzo grounded into a game ending 3-2-3 double play to first base.

Lakewood starter Shane Watson earned the win over five innings. Shorebirds starter Bridwell was pinned with the loss over five innings. He yielded seven hits and three runs.

Mychal Givens appeared for the first time since April 16 and tossed a scoreless inning.

The Shorebirds return to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Thursday, May 16 to begin a seven-game homestand against the Hickory Crawdads.