Shorebirds vs. Sea Gulls on April 2

Salisbury, Md. - The Delmarva Shorebirds, class "A" affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are excited to announce that for a fourth consecutive year the Shorebirds will play an exhibition game against Salisbury University on Tuesday, April 2 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The seven inning exhibition game against the nearby Division III power is scheduled for a 7:05pm first pitch.

The Shorebirds and the Sea Gulls started the annual exhibition game in 2010 and have been playing once a year ever since. The Shorebirds have won all three games. Last year, the Shorebirds narrowly escaped the Sea Gulls, 2-1, in front of 2,241 fans at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

"We look forward each year to beginning the season with the exhibition game against Salisbury University," said Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters. "It's a no-brainer to play the Sea Gulls because they are such a well-respected team on the Eastern Shore and we hope that the community once again supports this great event."

Following the exhibition game, the Shorebirds will have one day off before starting the season in earnest on Thursday, April 4 against the Hagerstown Suns (Washington Nationals) at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The 2013 will mark the 18th season of Shorebirds baseball and 17th as a Baltimore Orioles affiliate. Since 1996, 77 former Shorebirds players have gone on to play in the major leagues including recent Shorebirds stars Manny Machado (2011) and Dylan Bundy (2012).

The Sea Gulls are a perennial power at the Division III level. The program has accumulated 18 NCAA tournament appearances, 10 CAC championships and three World Series appearances. Last season, the Sea Gulls went 34-9 and finished 10th in the country according to the American Baseball Coaches Association. The architect of the recent success of the program is head coach Doug Fleetwood, who will enter his 13th season in 2013.

"It's a great experience for our players and the university as a whole," said Salisbury University Head Coach Doug Fleetwood. "The kids really enjoy a chance to play against professionals and we appreciate the Orioles and Shorebirds giving us the opportunity again this year."

Tickets for the exhibition game are currently only available by purchasing a Shorebirds ticket plan. The exhibition game will be included in all four ticket packages: full season tickets, half season tickets, 22-game plan and a 12-game plan. To purchase a Shorebirds ticket plan, contact a Shorebirds ticket representative by calling 410-219-3112.

In March, individual tickets for the exhibition game will go sale. Once individual tickets go on sale, they will be available for purchase on the Salisbury University campus and at the Shorebirds Box Office at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

For more information, contact the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112.