· By Whitney Hunt
Dirty Birds Sweep Southern Maryland After Winning 8-5 on Sunday
The Charleston Dirty Birds rallied late to secure a victory over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs in a closely contested game. Zach Daniels powered the Dirty Birds’ offense with two home runs and 4 RBI, while Charleston’s bullpen held firm in the final innings
Charleston Key Performances
- Zach Daniels (CF): 2-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R (.238 AVG).
- J.J. Matijevic (1B): 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, BB (.282 AVG).
- AlsanderWomack (2B): 2-for-4, 2 R, SB (.371 AVG).
- Frank Moscatiello (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K (2.31 ERA).
Pitching Breakdown
- Charleston:
- Starter David Lebron went 5 innings, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 7.
- The bullpen combined for 4 innings, surrendering 2 runs while striking out 3.
- Southern Maryland:
- Starter Maceo Campbell pitched 4 innings, giving up 2 runs but issued 4 walks.
- Reliever Rafi Vazquez (L, 2-1): Allowed 3 runs in 1.1 innings, contributing to Charleston’s late-game rally.
Key Moments
- Southern Maryland jumped out in the 3rd inning with a 3-run rally, highlighted by De Aza’s 3-run homer.
- Charleston tied the game in the 6th inning, sparked by Zach Daniels’ first home run and an RBI single from Benjamin Blackwell.
- The Dirty Birds pulled ahead in the 7th inning with Zach Daniels’ second homer, a 3-run shot, to make it 8-3.
- Southern Maryland fought back with Pearce Howard’s 2-run homer in the 8th, but the Charleston bullpen shut the door.
Game Impact:
Charleston’s late-inning power and disciplined bullpen performance were the difference-makers. Zach Daniels’ multi-homer game proved decisive, as Southern Maryland couldn’t contain the Dirty Birds’ offense. The victory strengthens Charleston’s momentum.
Charleston’s late-inning power and disciplined bullpen performance were the difference-makers. Zach Daniels’ multi-homer game proved decisive, as Southern Maryland couldn’t contain the Dirty Birds’ offense. The victory strengthens Charleston’s momentum.