masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgDelmarva Shorebirds right-hander Matt Hobgood is getting better with each start.

After allowing three runs in four innings in his first start this season and two runs over 5 2/3 in his second, tonight he pitched seven shutout innings in Delmarva’s 1-0, walk-off win over Greensboro.

Garabez Rosa led off the last of the ninth with a homer to give the Shorebirds, now 8-5, the victory. Jacob Smith pitched shutout ball over the last two frames and is 3-0.

Hobgood, last June’s first-round pick,…Delmarva Shorebirds right-hander Matt Hobgood is getting better with each start.

After allowing three runs in four innings in his first start this season and two runs over 5 2/3 in his second, tonight he pitched seven shutout innings in Delmarva’s 1-0, walk-off win over Greensboro.

Garabez Rosa led off the last of the ninth with a homer to give the Shorebirds, now 8-5, the victory. Jacob Smith pitched shutout ball over the last two frames and is 3-0.

Hobgood, last June’s first-round pick, gave up just two singles in the game with one walk and six strikeouts. His ERA for the season is 2.70.

“I thought it was a really good outing. My fastball control wasn’t as good as the last time I pitched against them, but it was good enough along with the combination of my curveball being really on tonight.

“I felt really good and located the fastball well enough. Broke a few bats vs. right-handed hitters and overall felt really good,” the 19-year-old righty said.

Hobgood threw 92 pitches and retired the last seven batters he faced.

He has issued one walk with ten strikeouts over his last two outings.

Hobgood said the Shorebirds have already developed a winning feeling in their clubhouse.

“Our chemistry is great. Everyone gets along with each other and messes around. We like each other, the chemistry is really good. From what I’ve heard it’s the talk of the four minor league teams we’ve got. I think we are going to have a really good year.”

I’ll post more Hobgood quotes tomorrow about his seven-inning outing tonight.