Bird Dawgs Battle to the End in Series Opener

Published on August 5, 2025 under Frontier League (FL)
Down East Bird Dawgs News Release

KINSTON, N.C. - Despite a strong start, the Down East Bird Dawgs fell 5-4 to the Sussex County Miners on Tuesday night at Historic Grainger Stadium. A two-run homer in the seventh inning proved the difference as Sussex County held off a late Bird Dawgs push to take the series opener.

The Bird Dawgs struck first when Emmanuel Tapia hit a two-run homer in the second to give Down East a 2-0 lead.

Sussex County answered in the third when Alec Sayre singled in a run, and Abdel Guadalupe followed with a two-run double to put the Miners ahead, 3-2.

Down East tied the game in the sixth after Tyler Blaum drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 3-3.

The Miners regained the lead in the seventh as Mahki Backstrom launched a two-run homer to make it 5-3.

In the bottom half, Tapia grounded out to bring home a run and cut the deficit to 5-4, but the Bird Dawgs couldn't push across the tying run.

Sussex County's bullpen held firm over the final two innings. Parker Primeaux (1-0) earned the win, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings. Tyler Luneke picked up his sixth save of the season with a perfect ninth.

Caughlin Shults (0-2) took the loss, giving up two runs in one inning in relief of Andueza, who delivered the first quality start of his career. The right-hander allowed three runs on six hits while striking out three across six innings.

With the loss, the Bird Dawgs fall to 29-43 and continue the series against the Miners on Wednesday, August 6, at 7 p.m.

For more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, announcements, and promotions, visit www.DownEastBirdDawgs.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Emmanuel Tapia of the Down East Bird Dawgs rounds the bases

Frontier League Stories from August 5, 2025

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• Detroit Tigers Purchase Contract of Pitcher Matt Stil - Sussex County Miners

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