BlueClaws Win Pitching Battle in Home Opener

The Lakewood BlueClaws won their home opener in a well-pitched 2-0 home opener at First Energy Park.

After some inclement games on the road to open the season, the BlueClaws treated the 5,669 fans that came out for their inaugural home game of their 18^th season as the Phillies Single-A affiliate to an opening game win.

Starter Will Stewart, took command of the opener tossing six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits while striking out four.  Cameron Bishop the Delmarva starter was up to the task, throwing seven innings, but allowed two runs while striking out six.

The game was played in a rare spring like 63 degrees as the Claws took advantage of home cooking, evening their record at 4-4.

Kyle Dohy who sports a 0.00 ERA was credited with the hold and Luis Ramirez got the final out to earn his first save of the season.

BlueClaws first baseman Quincy Nieporte unloaded to hit his first home run and break a scoreless tie in the fourth.

An inning later Dalton Guthrie’s single drove in hot hitting third baseman Cole Stobbe to put the Claws up 2-0.

Delmarva only had 4 hits and the BlueClaws could only muster 7 of their own in during a fast-paced game that took just over 2 hours.

Simon Muzziotti (CF) stroked two hits to move is average to .300 and Stobbe (3B) sports a .304 to start the season.

The BlueClaws and Shorebirds will continue the series on Friday night, under the lights in Lakewood at 7:05 pm.  Illinois native, righty Matt Dietz faces hard throwing righthander Spenser Howard out of San Luis Obispo CA.  Spenser struck out 7 in his 2018 debut and seeks his first win of the season.

Home game #2 for the BlueClaws celebrates Hispanic Heritage Night.  The weather should be perfect for those that plan on attending. Play ball!  See you at the game.