SAL1 Delmarva Shorebirds

Schutz's Catch Lifts Shorebirds to 3-2 Game One Win

Published on May 9, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Delmarva Shorebirds News Release


Hagerstown, Md. - Kipp Schutz made a leaping catch at the wall in left field to rob a home run in the bottom of the eighth inning and the Delmarva Shorebirds (20-11) hung on to defeat the Hagerstown Suns (20-11) 3-2 at Municipal Stadium on Monday night. The Shorebirds have won four straight games and 15 of their last 17 games.

The Suns grabbed an early lead in the second inning. Randolph Oduber drew a lead off walk from starter Tim Berry. He moved to second a sacrifice bunt by Jason Martinson. After stealing third base, Oduber scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Mills Rogers.

The Shorebirds were held silent against Suns starter Robbie Ray, who allowed just one hit over five shutout innings.

In the sixth, the Shorebirds scored their first runs against reliever Wilson Eusebio. Ty Kelly drew a one out walk. Then, Jonathan Schoop extended his hit streak to eight with a single. Both runners moved up 90-feet on a wild pitch by Eusebio. Then, Kipp Schutz lashed a double to the left field wall to plate both runs, which gave the 'Birds a 2-0 lead. Schutz leads the Shorebirds with 27 RBIs on the year.

The Suns tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning on a solo home run by David Freitas off reliever Jason Gurka.

The Shorebirds regained the lead in the eighth inning. Kelly reached on a single to open the inning. After two outs were recorded, Mike Flacco ripped a double down the left field line to score Kelly from first to give the Shorebirds a 3-2 lead.

The Suns were threatening to tie or take the lead in the bottom of the eighth. With Blake Kelso at third and two outs, Freitas hit a towering drive to deep left field and Schutz sprinted towards the wall and then leaped up at the last moment to make a game saving catch.

David Walters picked up the final four outs of the game to earn his ninth save of the season. Jason Gurka earned his second win of the season in 2.2 innings.

Shorebirds starter Berry picked up a no-decision in five strong frames. He allowed five hits and one run. Berry also fanned five and walked just one.

The Shorebirds and Suns play game two of the series on Tuesday morning at 10:35 a.m. RHP Luis Noel is the scheduled starter.

Check out the Delmarva Shorebirds Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 9, 2011


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