EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Altoona Blanks Baysox

Published on July 4, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


ALTOONA, PA - Right-hander Ryohei Tanaka was impressive in the first start of his career, but three Altoona pitchers held the Baysox to five hits as they went on to a 1-0 victory. Shortstop Robert Valido had three hits, but the team could not capitalize and finished 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

After not being scored upon in eight appearances out of the bullpen, Tanaka carried his success into his debut as a starter. The right-hander allowed three hits while striking out one and walking two in 5.0 scoreless innings of work. Tanaka has yet to give up a run in his professional career, striking out 13 and walking three in 17.0 innings of work.

The Baysox had the chance to get on the board in the first inning against Altoona right-hander Derek Hankins. Valido singled with one out and first baseman Eric Crozier followed with a walk to put runners on first and second. Valido advanced to third on a fly out by third baseman Mike Costanzo, but second baseman Miguel Abreu grounded into a force out to end the inning.

They put two men on with one out again in the top of the sixth inning, but again failed to come through with the big hit needed to take the lead. Valido and Crozier laced back-to-back singles with one out, putting runners at first and second. After Costanzo struck out swinging, Abreu tagged a line drive off Hankins but Altoona third baseman snagged it to keep the Baysox off the board.

Ryan Ouellette came on for Tanaka to start the sixth inning, but Altoona broke through with the game's only run. Pedro Alvarez singled with one out, advancing to second on a single by Jason Delaney. A fielder's choice off the bat of Jeff Corsaletti left runners at the corners with two outs, and Miles Durham followed with an RBI single to put Altoona on top 1-0.

One run proved to be the deciding factor, as the Baysox offense could not put anything together offensively. Hankins left after 6.0 innings, allowing three hits while walking two and striking out four. Right-hander Dustin Molleken came on to replace him in the seventh inning, working 2.0 innings of shutout relief to earn his first hold of the season.

The Baysox threatened again in the eighth, putting two on with one out for the third time in the game. Molleken held his composure and retired Crozier and Costanzo on fly balls to preserve Altoona's one-run lead.

Right-hander Sean Smith came on for the ninth inning, allowing a single to center fielder Danny Figueroa before holding on for his sixth save of the season. With the loss, the Baysox drop to 45-37 on the season, 8.5 games behind Akron for the Southern Division lead.

The two teams do battle again tomorrow night at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona. RHP Radhames Liz (2-1, 4.50) takes the hill for the Baysox looking for his third win of the season. Game time is set for 6:05 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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Eastern League Stories from July 4, 2009


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