AVON, Ohio (August 7, 2026) – Stephen DiTomaso drove in four runs, including a two-run triple in a four-run sixth inning, as the Down East Bird Dawgs cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Lake Erie Crushers at ForeFront Field Friday night, picking up a series-opening win and improving to 33-43 on the season.

Down East got on the board in the fourth when Jacob Corson singled in a run before DiTomaso doubled home two in the fifth to push the lead to 3-0.

The Bird Dawgs put the game away in the sixth, erupting for four runs as Tyler Blaum hit a sacrifice fly, Kenny Levari singled in a run, and DiTomaso capped the frame with a two-run triple to take a commanding 7-0 advantage.

Lake Erie added two runs in the bottom of the sixth on a James Jett fielder's choice and a Chayton Krauss ground-rule double to set the final at 7-2.

Jace Miner (1-3) earned the win, allowing two runs on six hits over 6⅓ innings with three strikeouts and four walks.

Alex Garbrick (0-4) took the loss for Lake Erie, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits over 5⅔ innings with no strikeouts and one walk.

The Bird Dawgs (33-43) look to clinch the series Saturday, August 8, at 7 p.m. ET.