SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws crush Shorebirds 11-2 on Saturday night

Published on June 28, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws came into Saturday night's game with Delmarva on the heels of four straight losses. Lakewood snapped their losing streak in convincing fashion, beating up the Shorebirds 11-2 at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws posted three runs in the first and cruised from there, chasing Delmarva starter Nate Nery from the game after just 2 1/3 innings. Eight of the nine starters and one pinch hitter picked up hits. The one man without a base knock, Mike Durant, reached base three times and scored twice. Durant also stole third base to round out his strong day.

While the BlueClaws were roughing up Nery (1-1) early, Chance Chapman found countless ways to keep the Shorebirds offense in check. Chapman (5-4) gave up nine hits in seven innings, but did not allow a run to cross. He got the 'Birds to hit into three double plays, while stranding eight runners in the process.

Zack Sterner could not close out the shutout, allowing an unearned run in the eighth and an earned run in the ninth.

But Saturday night was all about the offense. Lakewood tallied 13 hits and was aided by three Delmarva errors. Freddy Galvis had three hits, while Karl Bolt and Derrick Mitchell each added a pair of base knocks.

Lakewood started the game with three two-out runs in the first against Nery. After Mitchell and Tim Kennelly went down in order, Dominic Brown, Jay Miller each singled and Durant drew his first of two walks. Bolt then came through with a clutch RBI base it, before Travis Mattair matched him with a two-RBI rip.

The only home run came off the bat of Joel Naughton, who took Nery deep to start the second inning. His high fly ball down the rightfield line stayed just fair, giving Lakewood a 4-0 lead and Naughton his second home run of the season.

The BlueClaws put the game away one frame later, scoring five runs against Nery and Aubrey Miller. Miller proved to be a huge help in the game for Delmarva, weathering the storm and pitching 4 2/3 innings. Miller allowed two runs, one earned on just three hits in that span.

The offensive output did fall short of season highs for the BlueClaws. They have scored 13 runs three times in 2008 and picked up 19 hits on April 25 at Lexington. The BlueClaws (4-6, 42-38) will go for the two-game sweep on Sunday afternoon against the Shorebirds (5-5, 43-36). Darren Byrd (1-1) will take the mound for the 'Claws in his sixth start of the season for the BlueClaws.

Red Sox legend Jim Rice will be on hand at FirstEnergy Park for the 1:05 p.m. game to sign autographs and meet fans, courtesy of Bob's Stores. There will also be a postgame concert featuring former American Idol contestant Brooke Barrettsmith.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 28, 2008


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