Tonight's broadcast can be heard online at www.ironbirdsbaseball.com. Matt Martinez and Russell Luna will call the play-by-play. The pre-game show will begin at 7:05 p.m.
VS. MAHONING VALLEY:
The IronBirds are 6-15 (.286) against the Scrappers in the franchise's eight year history. Aberdeen won their first series against Mahoning Valley last season in Niles, Ohio. The ‘Birds swept the Scrappers in that series. The Birds went 12-6 against opponents in the Pinckney Division last season. The franchise is 51-51 against Pinckney foes.
BATS FALL SILENT:
The ‘Birds mustered only five hits in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Vermont. The loss was the first series loss to Vermont at Ripken Stadium.
KANTAKEVICH, MUELLER HURL STRONG OUTINGS:
Right-hander Patrick Kantakevich (1-2) earned his first win of the season with the ‘Birds after giving up four-hits and fanning a season-high six batters. Reliever Scott Mueller continued his dominance in the closing role his second save of the year. The Arizona native tossed 3.0 innings, giving up just two hits with four strikeouts.
KELLY CONTINUES TO HIT:
Ty Kelly extends his average to .350 (19x53) in the month of July with a 2-for-5 performance. Kelly is now hitting .318 (27x85) on the season.
ROOK RECORDS FIRST HOME RUN OF THE SEASON:
Jason Rook recorded his second professional home run on Saturday against the Vermont Lake Monsters. Rook had two-extra base hits to extend his batting average to .243.
BAXTER EXTENDS HIT STERAK:
T.J. Baxter extended his hit streak to a season-high seven games with a lead-off single in Saturday's contest. Baxter, in his second season with the ‘Birds, is hitting .308 (11x36) with 2 RBI in his last 10 games.
MOONEY, CAROLUS HEAT UP:
Designated Hitter Levi Carolus picked up a pair of RBI after going 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored. Infielder Mike Mooney picked up a pair of doubles after going 3-for-4 with a run scored.
‘BIRDS OUT-HIT SPINNERS, STILL FALL:
The IronBirds out hit Lowell 11-to-8 on Thursday, but feel in a 6-4 decision. Ty Kelly went 3-for-5, while T.J. Baxter. Brian Ward and Richard D'Oleo combined for two hits.
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