SAL1 Delmarva Shorebirds

'Birds Fall To Augusta in Marathon Game, 6-5 in 15 Innings

Published on July 12, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Delmarva Shorebirds News Release


Salisbury, Md.- In a heartbreaker, the Shorebirds fell 6-5 in 15 innings on Saturday night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Thomas Neal's double with two outs in the top of the 15th off Cliff Flagello plated Shane Jordan from second to give Augusta their first lead of the game and propel the GreenJackets to the marathon victory. The Shorebirds appeared to have the game won in the top of the ninth when they led 5-4 and a routine grounder to second baseman Ryan Adams could have been the final out. But Adams toss to first was wild and allowed the tying run to score from third.

Both teams had 13 hits in the longest game in the South Atlantic League this season, but the extras were dominated by the bullpens. Effective relief pitching by both clubs kept the contest locked at five until the Jackets finally broke through in 15th. Particularly noteworthy for Delmarva was the effort of Shane Mathews, who retired nine straight Augusta batters over three innings after surrendering a leadoff single to begin the tenth.

Lost in the drama was another spectacular outing by starter pitcher Sean Gleason. After throwing eight dominant innings in his last appearance this past Monday, Gleason once again was a workhorse, finishing seven innings and just allowing two runs. The Shorebirds led 4-2 when Gleason departed in the eighth, but a couple runs off reliever Scott Mueller got the GreenJackets back even in the eighth.

The Shorebirds offense got a jump start in the second inning when Kieron Pope launched his ninth homer of the season, a three run shot that gave the Birds the early edge. But Delmarva was shut down late as the Shorebirds only recorded two base hits in the final seven innings. GreenJackets pitching registered 17 strikeouts on the night, highlighted by the five K's tossed by reliever Ryan Paul who picked up his second win of the season with three superb innings out of the Augusta bullpen.

With the win, Augusta evened the four-game series at one game apiece heading into Sunday afternoon's matchup at 5:05.

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 12, 2008


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