Backus Homers Twice Including Grand Slam as Bird Dawgs Set Franchise Win Record
Published on August 18, 2026 under National Association (NA)
Down East Bird Dawgs News Release
Down East Bird Dawgs outfielder Colby Backus
(Down East Bird Dawgs)
KINSTON, N.C. - Colby Backus launched two home runs including a grand slam, and the return of Lyle Miller-Green sparked a six-run fourth inning as the Down East Bird Dawgs cruised to a 10-4 victory over the Trois-Rivières Aigles at Historic Grainger Stadium Tuesday night, setting a franchise record for wins in a single season with their 38th victory and three weeks still to play.
Trois-Rivières jumped ahead 2-0 in the fourth on a Liam Bushey RBI triple and a Justin Farmer RBI double before the Bird Dawgs exploded with six runs in the bottom half. Backus led off with a solo homer, Stephen DiTomaso singled in a run, Kalae Harrison added a two-run single, and Miller-Green - in his first game back with the club - capped the frame with a two-run double to put Down East ahead 6-2.
Sam Franco drew a bases-loaded walk in the fifth to cut it to 6-3 before Backus answered emphatically with a grand slam to push the lead to 10-3. Farmer added an RBI single in the eighth to set the final at 10-4.
Drew Henderson (5-7) earned the win, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings with three strikeouts and four walks.
Anthony Escobar (3-7) took the loss for Trois-Rivières, surrendering six runs on 10 hits over 3â..." innings with six strikeouts and no walks.
The Bird Dawgs (38-47) look to build on their series opening win on Wednesday, August 19, at 7 p.m. ET at Historic Grainger Stadium.
Images from this story
 Down East Bird Dawgs outfielder Colby Backus |
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