The Grasshoppers (17-14) finished their four game series with the Hagerstown Suns Friday evening, picking up a key division win before starting a four game set against the division leading Delmarva Shorebirds (17-11.)

Lefty Brad Hand (2-2) worked five innings to record his second consecutive win.  The first-year Grasshopper allowed only three runs on four hits on the way to his second straight quality start.

Right-hander Pete Andrelczyk picked up his fourth save of the season, and second of the series, striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

The Hoppers bats came alive Friday, led by Brandon Turner and Joel Staples, who both collected two hits.  The Grasshoppers tallied nine total hits, including a homerun by right fielder Justin Jacobs, to down the Suns 6-3.

After the finale at Hagerstown, the Grasshoppers were shutout by Delmarva in the opening game of the four game series.

Delmarva starter Richard Zagone (3-2) worked through a thirty-minute rain delay to hurl seven and a third innings of two hit baseball.  Zagone fanned seven on the way to his third win of the season, as Delmarva starters continue with their 2009 success.

Daniel Pertusati and Paul Gran each hit safely for the Grasshoppers but were unable to mount any real offensive threat, falling to the Shorebirds 8-0.

Game two of the series also went to Delmarva, as the Hoppers managed only two hits for the second time in as many games.

Shorebirds' pitchers walked nine hitters, but managed to shutdown the Hoppers' offense, picking up the win 4-1.

Joseph Esposito (1-0) earned the win for the Shorebirds, tossing three innings of scoreless relief.  Brandon Cooney picked up his fifth save of the season, logging four outs in the sixth and seventh innings.

Brandon Turner led the Grasshoppers offensively, collecting one hit and three walks.  Justin Bass added a single of his own, while Jeremy Synan drove in the Hoppers only run.

The Grasshoppers took game three of the series 2-1 on a strong pitching performance by Johnny Dorn (4-1.)

Dorn tossed seven innings Monday, marking his third straight appearance with at least six innings of work.  In all three starts, Dorn has allowed two runs or less, picking up wins in all three starts.

Dorn leads the Grasshoppers staff with four wins, and his 2.52 ERA ranks second on the team behind closer Pete Andrelczyk.

The Grasshoppers were just one for twelve with runners in scoring position, but were led at the plate by Ben Lasater and Justin Jacobs.  Lasater doubled twice in his three hit performance, continuing his reign as the league leader in doubles and extra base hits.

Daniel Jennings and Pete Andrelczyk combined for two innings of scoreless relief, as Andrelczyck picked up his third save of the current road trip.

The Hoppers are now 5-5 in their last 10 games, and 1.5 games back of Delmarva in the Northern Division of the South Atlantic League.

The Grasshoppers are back in action today, as they conclude their four game set with Delmarva before returning to Greensboro for an eight game home stand.  The Hoppers next home game is Thursday May 14^th.