Bierfeldt Leads Way in Walk-Off Win
May 18, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Delmarva Shorebirds News Release
SALISBURY, Md. -- The Delmarva Shorebirds won in walk-off fashion in Monday's series opener with the Lakewood BlueClaws, 4-3. Conor Bierfeldt played hero for Delmarva with a game-tying home run in the eighth and the game-winning bases-loaded walk in the ninth.
Delmarva climbed out to an early lead, only to see it erased by Lakewood. Jomar Reyes and Jay Gonzalez each contributed RBI singles for a 2-0 advantage after two innings.
The middle of the order had success for Lakewood. Deivi Grullon roped an RBI single in the fourth inning to make it 2-1. Delmarva's defense turned three double plays to help out starter John Means in the early frames. In the sixth, Grullon tied the game with an RBI groundout, and Jiandido Tromp hooked a two-out RBI double to put the BlueClaws in front, 3-2.
Conor Bierfeldt rose to the occasion in the later stages of the game. In the eighth inning, Bierfeldt smacked the first pitch from Will Morris over the left field fence for a game-tying solo home run. The long ball was Bierfeldt's fifth home run of the season, leading the Shorebirds.
The trio of Matt Trowbridge, Zeke McGranahan and Donnie Hart kept Lakewood off the board, giving Delmarva a chance for a walk-off win in the ninth. Jared Breen reached on an infield single to put the winning run aboard. Jonah Heim drew a walk, and Gonzalez pushed the runners over with a sacrifice bunt. After an intentional walk to Steve Wilkerson, Bierfeldt drew another walk to force in the winning run.
Monday was Delmarva's first walk-off victory of the season. Bierfeldt added to his league-leading RBI total with two more runs driven in, the tying and winning runs. Bierfeldt now has 34 RBIs in 33 games played so far this season.
Donnie Hart earned his first win of the year, extending his scoreless streak to 10 2/3 innings to start the season. Austin Davis took the loss for Lakewood, having issued the game-winning walk in the ninth.
Delmarva will try to lock up a series win with the middle game of the three-game set on Tuesday. Left-hander Brian Gonzalez (2-1, 4.86) starts for the Shorebirds against fellow southpaw Josh Taylor (2-2, 4.88) of the BlueClaws. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.
South Atlantic League Stories from May 18, 2015
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