Hickory Splits with 7-2 Win

Published on August 17, 2014 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Delmarva Shorebirds News Release

Hickory, NC - The Delmarva Shorebirds lost the series finale in Hickory by a final score of 7-2 on Sunday evening. Delmarva (62-64) dug a deep hole as the Crawdads scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back on their way to a series split.

Luis Gonzalez continued to struggle for Delmarva. Since being named Orioles' organizational Pitcher of the Month in July, Gonzalez has done a complete 180 turn. The first six batters reached against the starter en route to a five-run first inning. The left-hander then allowed a two-run home run to Kevin Torres in the third inning. In total, Gonzalez surrendered seven runs in just four innings. In August, Gonzalez has now given up 20 runs in just ten innings pitched in three starts.

On offense, Delmarva was all or nothing in the loss. The Shorebirds only had three hits all game off the combination of David Ledbetter and Luis Ortiz for Hickory. Creede Simpson blasted a solo home run in the second inning, then Ledbetter retired the final 15 batters he faced. Drew Dosch launched a solo home run in the seventh to make it 7-2.

David Ledbetter earned the win with just one hit allowed in six innings, the solo home run by Simpson. Luis Gonzalez suffered his third straight loss after opening up with six consecutive wins for Delmarva. Luis Ortiz earned his first professional save by getting final nine outs.

The Shorebirds will now travel for a three-game series in Lexington, Kentucky. Delmarva will turn to right-hander Dariel Delgado (0-3, 6.46) in the series opener. The Lexington Legends have yet to announce a probable starter. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

South Atlantic League Stories from August 17, 2014

• Grasshoppers Hitters too Hot in Series Finale - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Fast Start Fuels Crawdads in 7-2 Victory - Hickory Crawdads
• Suns Blanked by BlueClaws Twice in Four-Game Series Loss - Hagerstown Suns
• Thomas Homers as RiverDogs Split with Braves - Charleston RiverDogs
• Hit Parade for BlueClaws in 9-0 Win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
• Hickory Splits with 7-2 Win - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Pitching, Homers Send Legends Past West Virginia 8-1 - Lexington Legends
• Power Splits with Lexington - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Series Captured with 11-3 Win - Asheville Tourists
• Gnats Complete Sweep Under the Sun on Sunday - Savannah Sand Gnats
• Sand Gnats Sweep Drive with 3-2 Win - Greenville Drive
• Shorebirds Game Notes at Hickory - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Sweat Tea and Whiskey Brined Smoked Wings Close "Smokin' Chef" Series on Sunday - Charleston RiverDogs
• Game Notes: Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox) at Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins) -- August 17, 2 - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• Former Charlotte 49er Barnette Promoted to Triple-A - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
• WV Power Game Notes - Charleston Dirty Birds

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