Bird Dawgs Routed Early in Lopsided 20-2 Loss
KINSTON, N.C. (June 18, 2025) – The Down East Bird Dawgs were overwhelmed early and never recovered, falling 20-2 to the Tri-City ValleyCats on Wednesday night.
Tri-City scored eight runs in the second inning on three hits and six walks to take an 8-0 lead.
The Bird Dawgs got on the board in the bottom of the second when Jaylen Smith hit a sacrifice fly to make it 8-1.
The ValleyCats added a run in the third, fourth, and sixth innings to extend their lead to 11-1.
Tri-City brought home nine runs in the seventh, highlighted by a grand slam from Oscar Campos, to take a 20-1 lead.
The Bird Dawgs scored their final run in the ninth when Elias Stevens came home on a fielder’s choice by Trotter Harlan, as they fell 20-2 to Tri-City.
Connor Wilford (4-1) earned the win, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine over seven innings.
Zach Grace (1-4) took the loss, surrendering eight runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings.
The Bird Dawgs dropped to 11-22 and are set to face the ValleyCats in Game 3 of a six-game series on Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
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About the Down East Bird Dawgs
The Down East Bird Dawgs are a professional baseball team in the Frontier League, an MLB Partner League. The team began their inaugural season in May 2025 at Historic Grainger Stadium, in Kinston, NC. The team is continuing baseball traditions in the Kinston community with competitive play, captivating promotions, and top-notch community involvement & events.
Media Contact: Spencer Pattison | Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations (office) 252.549.4388 (email) [email protected]