EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Arrieta Overwhelms SeaWolves

Published on May 16, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Jake Arrieta turned in a masterful performance, allowing one hit in a rain shortened seven inning complete game shutout as the Baysox defeated Erie 4-0. First baseman Brandon Snyder paced the offense, crushing a two-run home run in the bottom of the first as the Baysox improved to 16-18 on the season.

Arrieta stole the show, matching his career high with ten strikeouts on the way to his team leading fourth win of the season. He ran into some trouble in the second, walking Alex Avila with one out. Erie center fielder Deik Scram followed with the lone hit, a single to center field in the second inning. Arrieta responded by striking out Cale Iorg and Andy Dirks to end the inning without any damage, and did not allow a ball out of the infield over his final five innings of work.

"My mechanics were good, I threw everything for strikes and got ahead in the count," said Arrieta of his dominant performance. "When I do all those things I'm going to have a pretty good day."

The Baysox right-hander struggled with a groin injury earlier in the season, but looked to be back to 100 percent tonight. He used the inside part of the plate early in the count, setting hitters up for a plethora of breaking balls which Erie hitters could not lay off.

"The biggest thing was he was spotting his fastball pretty good today," said Baysox catcher Adam Donachie. "When he does that it's going to make his offspeed stuff that much better."

Snyder also continued to shine, giving the Baysox an early lead with a towering two-run homer in the first which glanced off the scoreboard. After falling behind in the count 0-1, Snyder sat on a fastball from Erie starter Jon Kibler and got what he was looking for. The home run was Snyder's sixth on the season. More importantly, he had the opportunity to put on a good show for his family who was taking in the action from the stands.

"My brother, my mom, dad, second baseman from high school, cousin," Snyder told the media after the game. "I've got the whole family here."

The Baysox first baseman finished 1-3 on the night which ironically dropped his average on the season to .375, still good enough for first in the Eastern League. He also leads the league in hits (45), doubles (12), slugging percentage (.612) and OPS (1.042) while ranking third in home runs and RBI (28).

The offense would add to their lead in the fifth, as designated hitter Guillermo Rodriguez doubled to start the frame. Shortstop Robert Valido followed with a walk, and Dave Krynzel sacrificed both runners into scoring position. Hot-hitting left fielder Jonathan Tucker stepped to the plate, grounding a ball to second as Erie's Scott Sizemore made a diving play. His throw home was wide and went all the way to the backstop allowing Rodriguez to score while Valido slid in safely behind him to put the Baysox up 4-0.

That was all Arrieta would need, striking out four of the final six batters he faced before Mother Nature washed out the final two innings of action. It was his first professional shutout and complete game, while it was the third time he has held an opponent to one hit through five of more innings in. The Plano, Texas native now has 42 strikeouts in 33.1 innings of work on the season, good enough for second in the Eastern League.

The Baysox look to make it four of five against Erie tomorrow afternoon.. LHP Bobby Livingston (3-1, 3.72 ERA) takes the bump for the Baysox looking for his fourth win of the season against Erie RHP Alfredo Figaro (2-0, 2.61 ERA). Game-time is set for 2:05 and bring your dogs to the game for Bark in the Park! Also do not forget to check out a pre-game vintage baseball exhibition in conjunction with Vintage Baseball Day at Prince George's Stadium!

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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Eastern League Stories from May 16, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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