EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

B-Mets Bullpen Binds Baysox

Published on August 5, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


(Bowie, MD) - Baysox starter Chris Tillman looked nearly untouchable against the Binghamton Mets Monday, but the Baysox fell 6-3 in 12 innings. Binghamton's bullpen combined to throw 6 scoreless innings, holding the Baysox to four hits and two walks over that span. With the loss, the Baysox fall to 67-50, and are now 2.5 games behind Akron in the Southern Division.

Tillman struck out a season-high eleven batters while allowing two runs on four hits and a walk. Nine of his first eleven outs were strikeouts. He was encouraged by the progress of his secondary pitches, "Everything was working for me tonight. Fastball, I had one of the better changeups I've had all year tonight, my curveball was the best it's been all year. I've been working on that in the bullpen a lot, so I'm glad it finally came through."

After striking out two in the first inning, Tillman allowed a solo homerun to Caleb Stewart to lead off the second before striking out the side. Tillman also struck out the side in the third inning and retired nine batters in a row at one point.

Mike Rodriguez got the Baysox offense going when he singled to lead off the bottom of the third inning. He moved to third on a single by Blake Davis and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Tucker to tie the game at 1-1.

In the bottom of the fourth, Lou Montanez led off with a single to center, extending his hitting streak to 19 games, tying the longest streak in the Eastern League this season. Nolan Reimold followed with a double down the left field line and Montanez scored from first. With the run, Lou also scored in his nineteenth consecutive game to give the Baysox a 2-1 lead.

Binghamton got to Tillman for another run in the fourth inning. Ambiorix Concepcion led off with a single and stole second base. He went to third on a single to right by Salomon Manriquez before Josh Peterson hit a hard groundball down the first base line. First baseman Jeff Nettles got a glove on it, but couldn't stop the ball and it rolled out into short right field. Concepcion scored easily on the play and Nettles tried to gun down Manriquez at third. Manriquez beat the throw, but Peterson took a wide turn around first base and Jonathan Tucker alertly threw behind him for the second out of the inning. Tillman would get Jonathan Malo to pop out to second base to end the inning with the score tied at 2-2.

Matt Wieters put the Baysox back in front 3-2 when he crushed a ball over the wall in left in the sixth inning. It was his seventh homerun since joining the Baysox.

Felix Romero came on to relieve Tillman in the seventh inning, and he struck out the side before running into trouble in the eighth inning. Jonathan Malo led off with a single to left and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Jose Coronado. Romero struck out Anderson Machado for the second out, but he walked Mike Carp with a full count to put runners on first and second. Caleb Stewart singled to left to drive in Malo for his second RBI of the game.

The Baysox mounted a threat in the bottom of the eighth but came up empty. Carlos Rojas drew a one-out walk and moved to third on a single by Sebastien Boucher to put runners on the corners. Nolan Reimold came to the plate looking to drive a ball to the outfield, be he grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Binghamton mounted a threat of their own in the top of the ninth. Shawn Bowman led off with a single to left and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Salomon Manriquez. Josh Peterson hit a fly ball to short center field. Bowman took off, trying to score on the play, but Mike Rodriguez made a spectacular diving catch and Bowman was doubled off second base to end the inning.

Gerardo Casadiego pitched three scoreless innings of relief before running into trouble in twelfth inning. Manriquez led off with a single to left field and Josh Peterson hit a slow roller to short that Blake Davis barehanded and tried to throw to first. The throw sailed wide of the bag and both runners advanced a base. With runners on second and third with nobody out, the Baysox brought the infield in and Jonathan Malo hit a ball into center field. Both runners scored on the hit, and Malo moved to second on the throw to the plate.

After Malo's two RBI single, Bowie brought Chad Thall in to pitch. Thall caught a break when Jose Coronado attempted to bunt and accidentally kicked the ball while it was in play. Coronado was ruled out and Malo had to stay at second base. Malo then stole third with Machado batting. After Machado struck out swinging, Mike Carp hit a soft chopper to the hole between third and short that Jonathan Tucker couldn't field. Tucker was charged with an error and Malo scored on the play, giving Binghamton a 6-3 advantage. Mets reliever Elvis Quezada would retire the Baysox in order in the bottom of the twelfth to earn the victory.

The Baysox will look to take the second game of the series on Tuesday with RHP Zach Clark (1-0, 2.74 ERA) on the hill. He will be opposed by RHP Tobi Stoner (3-4, 4.47 ERA).

The Baysox will celebrate Orioles Pride Night Thursday at Prince George's Stadium. Wear your O's shirts and hats to the Baysox game to show your support for our parent organization! The first 1,250 fans ages six and up will also receive a FREE Adam Loewen bobble head doll, limit one per person. Friday is Back To School Night and Autism Awareness Night at the stadium, the first 1,000 kids ages six to twelve will receive a FREE Baysox logo backpack! On Saturday, come celebrate Saturday Night Live Night with the Baysox. Dress as your favorite SNL character and help Baysox staff members pay tribute to America's favorite sketch comedy show!

The Bowie Baysox are in their 16th season as the "AA" affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Baysox individual game tickets, season ticket plans, group outings, picnics and birthday parties are currently available for booking by calling the Baysox front office at (301) 464-4880.

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Eastern League Stories from August 5, 2008


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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