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 Bowie Baysox

Baysox Return the Favor, Blank Curve

July 5, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Bowie Baysox News Release


ALTOONA, Pa. - Three Baysox pitchers held Altoona scoreless and catcher Adam Donachie doubled twice in a 3-0 win over the Curve. Right-hander Radhames Liz tossed 7.0 shutout innings while All-Star closer Josh Perrault earned his 15th save. The victory improves the Baysox to 46-37 on the season and 9.0 games back of the Southern Division lead.

Both teams remained scoreless through the first five innings as both pitchers worked around scoring chances. Each team was retired in order only once, but neither team could come through with the big hit until the Baysox broke through in the bottom of the sixth.

Third baseman Mike Costanzo got things started in the sixth inning with a one-out double to left against Altoona right-hander Michael Crotta. A single by right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion put runners on first and third and designated hitter Dave Krynzel followed with an RBI groundout to break the scoreless tie. Altoona skipper Matt Walbeck made the call to the bullpen for right-hander Michael Dubee, who was promptly greeted by Donachie who laced an RBI double to extend the lead to 2-0.

Liz held the Curve bats in check through seven innings, earning his third win of the season and making his second consecutive scoreless start on the road. The right-hander is 2-0 and has not allowed a run in 14.0 innings of work in two road starts this season, striking out 13 and walking only two. Altoona would start the bottom of the sixth inning with back to back singles, but Liz settled down and struck out two of the final three hitters he faced to preserve the lead and keep Altoona off the board.

The Baysox tallied a single run in the top of the seventh inning off Dubee, as left fielder Jonathan Tucker singled with one out to start the rally. Shortstop Robert Valido followed with a walk, as Dubee was replaced by left-hander Corey Hamman. After getting first baseman Eric Crozier to strike out swinging, Hamman gave up a two-out RBI single to right field by Costanzo. Tucker crossed the plate with his team-leading 44th run of the season, but Valido was thrown out at third to end inning with the Baysox on top 3-0. The sparkplug at the top of the Baysox lineup, Tucker is hitting .333 over his last ten games, scoring seven runs and stealing three bases during that span.

After Liz shut down the Curve in the seventh inning, left-hander Chad Thall worked a perfect eighth inning to earn his Eastern League leading 12th hold of the season. Right-hander Josh Perrault came on for the ninth and set Altoona down in order for the save. One of four Baysox All-Stars, Perrault has been a stalwart as the Baysox closer this season. In addition to his 15 saves, the right-hander has compiled a 1.80 ERA while striking out 41 in 40.0 innings of work on the season.

The Baysox will look to win the rubber-match of their three-game series tomorrow at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona. RHP John Mariotti (2-5, 2.87) takes the hill for the Baysox looking for his first win in his last three starts. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.

The Baysox return home July 7 to take on the Harrisburg Senators on Penny Pincher Bargain Night. The first 500 fans who purchase regularly priced lower reserve seat tickets will receive a free Matt Wieters t-shirt! The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is going strong! Check out www.baysox.com to see all that's going on at the stadium this year, and don't miss a moment of the action as the Baysox attempt to bring home their first Eastern League championship. Individual game tickets and ticket packages are available now at www.baysox.com or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.


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