Mercedes' Moonshot Propels 'Birds to 4-3 Win
June 30, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Delmarva Shorebirds News Release
SALISBURY, Md. -- The Delmarva Shorebirds went back and forth with the Lakewood BlueClaws in Tuesday's series opener before finally securing a 4-3 victory. Delmarva (4-2, 37-37) took the lead for good on a go-ahead two-run home run by Yermin Mercedes in the sixth inning.
Set up by a pair of walks, Cam Kneeland opened the scoring for Delmarva with a two-out RBI single in the first inning. Damek Tomscha hit a two-run home run for Lakewood in the fourth inning to put the BlueClaws ahead. The Shorebirds immediately responded with another two-out RBI single, this time by Jared Breen for a 2-2 tie.
Consecutive doubles by Kyle Martin and Tomscha brought around another run for Lakewood in the sixth, reestablishing their advantage at 3-2. Shorebirds' reliever Nick Cunningham finished off the sixth inning, stranding a runner on third base. Delmarva starter Lucas Long pitched 5.1 innings in the start, allowing three runs on eight hits.
Delmarva came right back in the bottom of the frame, turning the tides in their favor. A throwing error allowed Elier Leyva to reach as the leadoff runner. Yermin Mercedes demolished a towering home run to left field, a go-ahead two-run shot for a 4-3 lead. Mercedes' second home run of the season gave Delmarva the decisive lead of the night.
Garrett Cortright came on for the save in the ninth, surrendering a leadoff double to Tomscha. After a popout and flare single, Lakewood moved the tying run to third base. Cortright buckled down for a popout and strikeout to end the game, a 4-3 victory.
Cunningham received the win for Delmarva, retiring all eight batters he faced in relief. Cortright bounced back for his sixth save of the year, after a tough-luck outing on Sunday. Scott Harris took the loss for the BlueClaws.
The Shorebirds will be back in action against Lakewood on Wednesday evening. Josh Walker (2-1, 4.50) will start for Delmarva against BlueClaws' right-hander Tyler Viza (4-2, 4.12). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.
• Discuss this story on the South Atlantic League message board...
South Atlantic League Stories from June 30, 2015
- Mercedes' Moonshot Propels 'Birds to 4-3 Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Downes' Slam Helps Legends Outslug Braves, 14-10 - Lexington Legends
- Depleted Tourists Drop Series Opener against RiverDogs - Asheville Tourists
- Suns Stay Perfect against Greensboro at Home with 4-3 Win - Hagerstown Suns
- Charleston Mugs Tourists 10-4 in Series Opener - Charleston RiverDogs
- Tomscha Drives in Three, But Claws Fall 4-3 at Delmarva - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Slugfest Goes to Lexington 14-10 - Rome Emperors
- Crawdads Power Past Drive, 8-1 - Greenville Drive
- Gnats Swatted by 'Jackets 6-0 Tuesday - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Adams Spins 7.0 Innings to Unplug Power - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
- Power Drops First of Second Half - Charleston Dirty Birds
- WV Power Game Notes: June 30, 2015 vs. Kannapolis - Charleston Dirty Birds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
