KINSTON, N.C. (August 19, 2026) – Colby Backus homered for the third consecutive game and the Down East Bird Dawgs erupted for nine runs across the sixth and seventh innings to cruise past the Trois-Rivières Aigles 9-3 at Historic Grainger Stadium Wednesday night, winning their third straight game and taking a commanding 2-0 series lead at 39-47.

Trois-Rivières grabbed an early advantage on a Gavin Roy RBI single in the second and a Connor Hicks RBI groundout in the fifth to lead 2-0 before the Bird Dawgs responded in the sixth, sending 10 batters to the plate.

Backus tied it with a two-run homer — his third in as many games — Trey Law drew a bases-loaded walk to put Down East in front, and Stephen DiTomaso added an infield single to push the lead to 4-2.

The Bird Dawgs kept rolling in the seventh as Backus singled in a run, Yeniel Laboy drove in two on a base hit, Law added a sacrifice fly, and Ali LaPread reached on an error to extend the lead to 9-2.

Isaac Webb drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for Trois-Rivières to set the final at 9-3.

Spencer Johnston started for Down East, allowing two runs — one earned — on five hits over 4⅓ innings with one strikeout and three walks. Jack Hagan (4-3) earned the win, delivering 1⅔ scoreless innings on two hits with one strikeout and no walks.

Andrew Simone was dominant for Trois-Rivières, tossing five shutout innings on one hit with five strikeouts and two walks. Jackson Grounds (4-2) took the loss, surrendering four runs on four hits over ⅔ of an inning with three walks and one strikeout.

The Bird Dawgs (39-47) look to take their third straight and extend the series lead Thursday, August 20, at 7 p.m. ET at Historic Grainger Stadium.