Shorebirds Snap Skid With 5-0 Shutout

Salisbury, MD - The Delmarva Shorebirds won their series opener with the Augusta GreenJackets in convincing fashion, 5-0 on Wednesday night. Steven Brault and Dylan Rheault combined for the Shorebirds' third shutout victory of the year.

Steven Brault twirled another gem, pitching six shutout innings in the start. Brault allowed only two hits and a walk, while striking out eight batters, one shy of his career-high. Dylan Rheault picked up right where Brault left off, going three more scoreless innings to finish the shutout. Rheault has not allowed a run in his last six appearances, spanning 12 1/3 innings.

Delmarva broke the ice with a run in the sixth inning. After a leadoff double by Mike Yastrzemski, Trey Mancini delivered a two-out RBI single to right field. Augusta manager Mike Goff was ejected following the play, arguing that Tyler Horan caught the ball on a diving effort.

The Shorebirds extended their advantage with a run in the seventh, and three more in the eighth. Conor Bierfeldt scored on a single by Josh Hart and subsequent error by Randy Ortiz. Later, Bierfeldt delivered a bases-clearing double to make it 5-0. Bierfeldt's three-run double came moments after Augusta pitching coach Steve Kline was ejected.

Rheault made quick work of the GreenJackets in the ninth, earning a nine-out save, his second of the year. Steven Brault improved to 3-2 with the victory, while Luis Ysla suffered his second defeat for Augusta.

The Shorebirds and GreenJackets continue the series on Thursday. Left-hander Mitch Horacek (0-3, 4.61) will start for Delmarva against Augusta right Keury Mella (2-1, 3.04). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Perdue Stadium.