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EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Aeros Blast Off In Extras

May 1, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - The Baysox rallied from five runs down in the final two innings to take the game into extras, but Akron used the long ball in the extra frame to take the series opener 8-6 Friday. Baltimore utility man Ryan Freel began his minor league rehab assignment playing six innings at third base while hitting leadoff for the Baysox, who dropped to 9-11 with the loss.

Akron got things going in the second in part due to a defensive miscue by Freel. Niuman Romero bounced a two hopper to third, but Freel's throw was in the dirt and first baseman Melvin Dorta could not scoop it allowing Romero to coast into second with one out. Nick Weglarz followed with a double down the line in right, scoring Romero and putting the Aeros on top early.

Freel atoned for his mistake in the third inning by getting the Baysox back to even. Shortstop Robert Valido doubled to start the inning off Aeros starter Chuck Lofgren. After moving to third on a wild pitch, Valido scored on a groundout by Freel to tie the score at one apiece. Freel batted three times, going 0-3 in his first game action since being placed on the disabled list in Baltimore on April 21.

Left-hander Bobby Livingston started well but struggled with his command in the fourth, leading to a four spot by Akron. Beau Mills and Carlos Santana drew free passes to start the inning, and advanced into scoring position one batter later on a groundout by Nick Weglarz. Livingston fell behind in the count 2-1 to Damaso Espino, who took advantage by lining a single through the hole at short, plating two. The Baysox defense allowed the inning to continue when Ambiorix Concepcion misplayed a sinking liner to center by Mickey Hall, leaving runners at second and third with two outs. Jerad Head lined a single off the third base bag to score both runners, before being thrown out at second by left fielder Jonathan Tucker while trying to stretch it into a double.

Tucker took advantage of playing with a veteran like Freel, as both players find themselves in a utility role for their respective teams. Both have very similar styles, using speed and hustle to make plays on offense while playing all over the diamond on defense. Tucker also took the opportunity to pick the brain of Freel on stealing bases.

"He said he looked at (Angels third baseman) Chone Figgins and takes things from (Orioles second baseman) Brian Roberts," said Tucker about his conversation with Freel. "I try to be a mix of everybody...part of my game is stealing bases and I'm always looking to improve."

Tucker put Freel's advice to good use, stealing his fourth base of the season in the second inning. In addition to being a menace on the basepaths, Tucker found himself as the key to an eighth inning rally as the Baysox looked to steal a game from the division leading Aeros.

Concepcion got things started with a one-out single off Akron right-hander Erik Stiller. Miguel Abreu followed with a single of his own to put runners on first and second. Tucker came to the plate and wasted little time, lining the first pitch he saw down the line in left for a two-run double.

"I'd been pretty patient all game," Tucker said of his approach. "I was looking to be aggressive just looking for a pitch I could drive."

Catcher Guillermo Rodriguez followed in similar fashion, lacing a double into the left-center field gap to score Tucker. Right fielder Joe Nowicki followed with a bloop single into short left which plated Rodriguez and closed the Baysox to within one.

Akron went to their closer Vinnie Pestano in the ninth, looking to earn his lead leading tenth save of the season. Dorta greeted him with a line drive back up the middle into center field, and advanced to third when Concepcion followed with a single of his own. In stepped second baseman Miguel Abreu, who took the first pitch from Pestano and lined it the opposite way into right field to bring home the tying run. Coming off a 5-5 performance on Wednesday in Erie, Abreu credited hitting coach Moe Hill for his recent success.

"He told me to keep my hands way back and see the ball longer," Abreu said. "I'm not trying to hit the ball hard, just putting the barrel on the ball."

The Baysox had a golden opportunity to send the 8,778 fans at Prince George's Stadium home with a walk-off win, as Tucker was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out. Pestano settled down and got out of the inning, sending the Baysox into extra innings for the third time on the season.

The Aeros wasted little time, as Nick Weglarz led off the tenth with a home run to the opposite field off Baysox lefty Ryan Rodriguez. Jerad Head followed a better later with an opposite field home run of his own, this time off righty Josh Perrault, to give the Aeros an 8-6 lead they would hold onto as right hander Josh Judy picked up his first save.

The two teams face off again tomorrow as RHP Sean Gleason (0-1, 11.57) looks to get the Baysox back on the winning track against Aeros RHP Frank Herrmann (1-1, 3.00). Game time is set for 7:05.

This Sunday the Baysox ask you to wear your red and hang out with Caps mascot Slapshot. The Baysox will host the first ever Capitals Night, Sunday, May 3 at 2:05 p.m. Fans who purchase tickets through a special link on Baysox.com will have a portion of their purchase donated to the Washington Capitals Charities.

The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway! 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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