SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws outslug Delmarva

Published on June 6, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws struck for six early runs and held on for a 6-4 victory over the Delmarva Shorebirds on Friday night at FirstEnergy Park.

Lakewood pushed three runs across in the fifth inning to snap a 3- 3 tie and take the lead for good. Each of the BlueClaws outfielders-D'Arby Myers, Dominic Brown and Michael Taylor-had an RBI in the rally against Delmarva starter Tony Butler and Brian Parker.

It was the second straight win for the BlueClaws (34- 26) against the Shorebirds (33-26) and it helped vault the BlueClaws into sole possession of second place in the North Division with 10 games to go in the first half. Six of those games will come against Delmarva. Lake County remained in first place with a two game lead over the BlueClaws by virtue of their 11-0 victory over Hagerstown.

The BlueClaws could not pull away against Delmarva late and Kieron Pope homored off of reliever Sergio Escalona (3-1) to cut the Lakewood lead to two. But Ben Pfinsgraff pitched two scoreless innings and Jared Simon pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his 10th save of the season.

Joel Naughton slugged the BlueClaws to a 2-1 lead early with his first home run of the season off of Butler (2-3). Naughton became the final BlueClaws hitter that started the season in Lakewood to hit a home run.

The early offense came in support of starter Julian Sampson, who was making his return from the disabled list. Sampson was struck in the side with a line drive on May 19 against West Virginia and had been unable to return until Thursday night.

The BlueClaws right-hander lasted just 3 2/3 innings and gave up three runs, all earned, on five hits. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision. Escalona earned the victory by pitching 2 1/3 innings, giving up just one hit, the Pope home run.

In addition to an RBI during the game-winning fifth- inning rally, Brown knocked in two other runs. It was the BlueClaws rightfielder's third three-RBI game of the season.

Lakewood will return to action on Saturday night at FirstEnergy Park with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Shorebirds. The BlueClaws will send Jacob Diekman (1-3) to the mound, while Delmarva will throw their third straight lefthander, Zach Britton (5-4).

The first 2,000 fans through the gates will get "Made it to the Phillies" posters, presented by the Asbury Park Press.

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 6, 2008


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