Chapman takes loss despite strong outing

SALISBURY, Md. - The Lakewood BlueClaws ended the season on a bit of a sour note, dropping a 2-1 decision to the Delmarva Shorebirds on Monday night at Perdue Stadium.

Two third-inning runs were all that Delmarva needed in the final game of the 2008 campaign for both teams. Chance Chapman allowed three hits in the third inning, including an RBI single from Joe Nowicki that put the 'Birds ahead 2-0.

Mitchell, Rizzotti both go deep

SALISBURY, Md. - The BlueClaws won a back-and- forth game on Sunday night at Perdue Stadium, beating Delmarva 5-4 and wrapping up the best overall record in the North Division.

Matt Rizzotti's solo home run in the fifth inning tied the game, 4-4, and Tim Kennelly scored later in the frame on a Jay Miller groundout to put the BlueClaws on top for good.

Galvis with three hits in rout

LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws came into Saturday night's game with Delmarva on the heels of four straight losses. Lakewood snapped their losing streak in convincing fashion, beating up the Shorebirds 11-2 at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws posted three runs in the first and cruised from there, chasing Delmarva starter Nate Nery from the game after just 2 1/3 innings. Eight of the nine starters and one pinch hitter picked up hits. The one man without a base knock, Mike Durant, reached base three times and scored twice. Durant also stole third base to round out his strong day.

Suns tally three in eighth for victory

Sean Rooney tripled off of Ben Pfinsgraff with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning to break open an even ballgame and give the Hagerstown Suns a 6-3 victory over the BlueClaws on Monday night at Municipal Stadium. The loss puts a serious dent in Lakewood's first half title hopes, dropping the BlueClaws 2.5 games behind the Lake County Captains with seven games left to be played before the All Star break.

'Claws lose ninth inning lead in 6-5 loss to Lake County

EASTLAKE, Ohio -- The BlueClaws suffered another critical defeat on Saturday night at Classic Park, as Chris Kissock was unable to close out a ninth inning lead and Lake County pulled out a 6-5 walk-off win.

Lakewood held a 5-4 lead heading to the bottom half of the ninth inning, but Kissock was unable to nail down the victory. The right-hander, who lasted just 1/3 innings on Friday night, struggled again, giving up three hits in the final frame.

Byrd's strong debut not enough in walk-off loss

Darren Byrd outdueled Ryan Miller, one of the top pitchers in the South Atlantic League, on Wednesday night at Classic Park, but it was not enough as the BlueClaws dropped a 4-3 decision to Lake County. Byrd, who spent the entire 2007 season with the BlueClaws, did not allow a hit in five innings in his 2008 Lakewood debut. He struck out seven hitters and walked just one.

BlueClaws outhit 13-5 in 4-3 loss to Charleston

LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws offense went quiet on Saturday night against Charleston, recording only five hits in a 4-3 loss to the RiverDogs at FirstEnergy Park.

Suns drop Naylor before coming back big in game two

The BlueClaws dropped a critical doubleheader with the Hagerstown Suns on a rainy Tuesday night at Municipal Stadium, falling in game one, 5-2, before a disastrous game two 4-3 loss. The pair of losses likely ends the BlueClaws (35-30) slim hopes of a first half title. Lakewood fell to 4.5 games behind Lake County with five first half games left to be played. The Captains swept a doubleheader with Delmarva on Tuesday night.

Stutes another solid start for Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The BlueClaws bounced back from a tough loss on Thursday night to take a dominating 4-1 victory over West Virginia on Friday night at FirstEnergy Park to earn a series split and move back within two games of the Power in the North Division standings.

Mike Stutes was brilliant once again, giving up just one run on two hits in six innings in his second start with the BlueClaws. Stutes (2-0) did not allow a run in six innings in his Lakewood debut last Saturday. This time around the control was not as strong for the 21- year old righty, as he did walk three batters and hit one, but he also struck out seven and gave up only two hits.

Chapman leads way with six scoreless innings

The Shorebirds eliminated the BlueClaws from the first half championship race on Thursday night. On Friday, Lakewood returned the favor. The BlueClaws downed Delmarva 4-0 at Perdue Stadium to officially eliminate the Shorebirds from contention for the first half title. Chance Chapman had his strongest performance of the season, pitching six scoreless innings. He struck out a career-high nine hitters while walking just two. Chapman (4-4) also allowed just two hits.