TROY, N.Y. (August 26, 2026) – Colby Backus launched a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning to break open a tight game, and Jace Miner delivered seven outstanding innings as the Down East Bird Dawgs rallied past the Tri-City ValleyCats 5-2 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Wednesday night, evening the series at one game apiece and improving to 43-49.

Tri-City grabbed a 2-0 lead in the fourth on a Max Mandler RBI double and an Ian Walters RBI single before Yeniel Laboy cut it to 2-1 with a solo homer in the fifth.

The Bird Dawgs broke through in the seventh as Backus put Down East in front with a two-run shot, Kenny Levari added an RBI single, and Stephen DiTomaso doubled in another to close out the 5-2 final.

Miner (3-4) was outstanding, allowing two runs on four hits over seven innings with five strikeouts and one walk. Greg Martinez followed with a perfect eighth, and Tanner Duncan closed it out with his eighth save of the season, retiring the minimum with two strikeouts in the ninth.

Adam Brouwer was dominant to open for Tri-City, retiring the minimum through three innings with six strikeouts. Aaron Makil (0-1) took the loss, surrendering five runs on eight hits over five innings with three strikeouts and no walks.

The Bird Dawgs (43-49) look to take the series lead Thursday, August 27, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.