EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Baysox Blast Past Rock Cats

Published on June 4, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - A night after being shut out, the Baysox returned the favor and used three home runs to beat the Rock Cats 6-0 Saturday night. With the win, the Baysox are 27-30 on the season.

After being shut out on consecutive nights, the Baysox offense woke up in Saturday's win. The 13 hits recorded by the Baysox fell one short of tying the season high and the three home runs was the most by the team in any game this season.

"Offensively, you get that out of your lead-off guy and it kind of sets the table, said Manager Gary Kendall. "We did some different things with the lineup and [Pedro] Florimon's impact, even though he was hitless he drove in our first run with a sac fly and his swings tonight were really good - he squared up some balls. We were able to get a couple home runs, which were much needed. I was saying out there during bp today that I can't remember the last time we had multi-home run games and to get three tonight really helped us."

The Baysox wasted no time ending their 19 inning scoreless streak in the bottom of the first inning. Center fielder Xavier Avery hit a lead off double to right field and then second baseman Greg Miclat reached base on a bunt single that moved Avery to third base. Shortstop Pedro Florimon then knocked in the first run on a sacrifice fly to left field that made the score 1-0.

In the second inning, the Baysox added three more runs. With one out, first baseman Billy Rowell singled to left field and third baseman Brandon Waring blasted his fifth home run of the season to deep left-center field. Designated hitter Buck Britton doubled down the right field line and moved to third when New Britain pitcher Bobby Lanigan committed a throwing error on an Avery bunt single. With Miclat at the plate, Britton scored when catcher Jair Fernandez attempted a pickoff at third and threw it into left field. On the play, Avery went from first to third base, but then Miclat hit a ground ball to second base and Avery was thrown out at the plate to keep the score 4-0.

Catcher Caleb Joseph and left fielder Robbie Widlansky extended the lead to 6-0 in the fifth inning when they hit home runs on back-to-back pitches. It was the first time this season the Baysox have hit back-to-back home runs in a game.

"Caleb has been swinging it good for a while, got a good pitch to hit so he put a good swing on it and hit it out," Widlansky said. "I went up there looking for something over the plate and he hung me a change-up and I put a good swing on it. I saw a lot of change-ups tonight so I was just kind of thinking in the back of my mind maybe he might lead me off with one."

Right-handed starting pitcher Wynn Pelzer recorded the win and ended a six-game losing streak as he pitched five and one-third scoreless innings and allowed just two hits though he walked six batters and needed help from the defense to escape a bases loaded jam in the second inning.

"It's my own fault, not throwing enough strikes early in the count, getting behind guys," Pelzer said. "They were pretty patient up there, I just had to stay out there and make pitches when I needed to and that's what I did tonight."

Left-handed reliever Cole McCurry pitched two and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief of Pelzer and did not allow a hit while striking out four. Right-handed closer Jose Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth inning and struck out one though it was not a save situation.

Waring's two-run blast in the third inning was the first home run hit with runners on base since right fielder Ronnie Welty hit a two-run homer on May 28. The home run was the first hit by Waring in 14 games since he hit one May 15 against Akron.

Avery had his best game of the season at the plate as he recorded his first four hit game. Avery scored in the first inning to end the Baysox scoring drought and kept his momentum alive with a bunt single and a double later in the game. Avery also recorded his 20th stolen base of the season Saturday night, ending a season-long 12-game drought.

"I was feeling good at the plate, my approach was good and that's why I thought I had a good night at the plate," Avery said. "It felt good to break the water and steal a base, just let loose and go get it. Gary and them have been telling me I need to go, so that's what I decided to do tonight."

Sunday, RHP Steve Johnson (4-1, 2.02) takes the mound for the Baysox as they complete a three game series against the New Britain Rock Cats. His opponent will be RHP Brett Jacobson (2-0, 2.48).

The Baysox wrap-up their home stand Sunday, June 5 with Educator Appreciation Day with special guest Dennis Haskins aka Mr. Belding. The team then begins a six game road trip before returning home June 14. For more information on Baysox promotions and theme nights, visit www.baysox.com.

Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox 19th season as the class Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are now available at www.baysox.com.

Check out the Chesapeake Baysox Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from June 4, 2011


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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