Birds Fall Short in Loss to Muckdogs

Published on July 14, 2012 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Aberdeen IronBirds News Release

ABERDEEN, MD- The IronBirds (9-17) fell to the Muckdogs (16-10) in the first game of the series, 2-1. Aberdeen plated a run in the bottom of the seventh to keep the game within one score but Batavia held onto the lead. In the losing effort, LF Anthony Vega raised his hitting streak to 10, a season-high for the Birds.

Batavia's attack began in the second inning; SS Alex Mejia grounded a RBI single to center field bringing CF Matthew Young to the plate. Following three scoreless innings, the Muckdogs picked up another run in the sixth. C Jose Montero singled 1B David Washington home on a ground ball to right field.

Trailing by a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame, 1B Tyler Townsend doubled on a ground ball to right field. SS Joel Hutter smacked a RBI single to left field sending Townsend to the plate. Hutter's 10th RBI of the season snapped the IronBirds' 15-inning scoreless streak.

LHP Tyler Melling (2-0) picked up the win on the night, earning a career-high of six strikeouts. RHP David Richardson (1-1) got the loss for Aberdeen. Richardson pitched a career-high 5.2 innings.

Out of the IronBirds' bullpen, RHP Kenneth Wise tossed a season-high 2.1 scoreless innings without allowing a hit. RHP Bobby Wilkins closed out the game retiring the Muckdogs in order with three strikeouts.

The IronBirds and Muckdogs will play game two of their three-game series at home on Sunday, July 15 at Ripken Stadium. RHP Mark Blackmar (2-1, 3.04) will start for the Birds while Batavia will counter with RHP Joe Cuda (2-0, 1.83). First pitch from Ripken Stadium is set for 5:35 p.m. with coverage on the IronBirds Radio Network at 5:20 p.m.

For tickets, call the IronBirds box office at (410) 297-9292 or go online to www.ironbirdsbaseball.com.

New York-Penn League Stories from July 14, 2012

• Cutters rally, but can't close in 4-3 loss to Vermont - Williamsport Crosscutters
• Holmes Excels as Spikes Come Close, But Fall to Cyclones, 6-3 - State College Spikes
• Doubledays' Offense Subdued in 3-1 Loss to Tigers - Auburn Doubledays
• Vermont Snaps Losing Streak With 4-3 Win At Williamsport Saturday - Vermont Lake Monsters
• Birds Fall Short in Loss to Muckdogs - Aberdeen IronBirds
• Strong Pitching Lifts Tigers over Doubledays - Norwich Sea Unicorns
• State College Spikes Game Notes - July 14 vs. Brooklyn - State College Spikes
• Former Husky Pitching at Dodd this Weekend - Norwich Sea Unicorns
• Doubledays One-Hit IronBirds in 10-0 Win - Auburn Doubledays
• Sloppy defense sweeps Cutters - Williamsport Crosscutters

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