EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Baysox Bounce Harrisburg

Published on September 6, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Right-hander Steve Johnson guided the Baysox over 6.2 innings Sunday afternoon, picking up his third win as Bowie defeated Harrisburg 5-2. Left fielder Tyler Henson and catcher Adam Donachie added home runs for the Baysox, who improve to 73-68 on the season. Despite the win, the Baysox were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention as Reading clinched a berth with a win against Connecticut.

"We had our opportunities over the course of the season but just didn't get it done," Baysox skipper Brad Komminsk said. "You have to give Reading credit they played well here during the season and this weekend against Connecticut."

Harrisburg jumped out to an early 1-0 lead against Johnson, as Sean Rooney led off the top of the third inning with a triple over the head of Henson in left. Nick Arata followed with an RBI single, his first hit in Double-A, to put the Senators on the board.

The Baysox offense answered in the bottom of the fourth inning, as shortstop Carlos Rojas singled with one out to start the rally against Harrisburg starter Jeff Mandel. Third baseman Josh Bell followed with an opposite field double into the gap in left field, scoring Rojas and giving the Baysox slugger his 22nd RBI of the season. Catcher Steve Torrealba came through with a single back up the middle to score Bell, giving the Baysox a 2-0 lead.

Johnson took control after allowing the run in the third inning, striking out six and not walking a batter for the first time since April 21. He left after 6.2 innings of work allowing one run on five hits, earning his second straight victory in his final start of the season.

"I had everything working for me and it was good to end on a high note," Johnson said. "That zero in the walk column was something I hadn't done in a while so it was a big for me."

With a solid performance to end his season, Johnson said he was proud of himself after achieving the goals he set for himself coming into the season.

"My goal was to be in Double-A by the end of the season," Johnson said. "To get here and do as well as I've done, that was big for me, and to go out like this and change organizations was nice."

The Baysox tacked on three runs in the seventh inning, burying the Senators with the help of two home runs against Harrisburg reliever Jesse Estrada. First baseman Brandon Waring was hit by a pitch to start the inning, and Henson connected with his first Double-A home run to extend the lead to three. Catcher Adam Donachie followed one batter later with a solo blast to left, his fifth of the season to make the score 5-1. Donachie joined left-hander Chad Thall as the only Baysox to remain on the active roster throughout the entire season, but could not hide the disappointment as the team was eliminated from the playoffs.

"You always want to keep playing and shoot for the playoffs at the beginning of the season," Donachie said. "We had the big series in Reading where we couldn't pull out a win in each end of a doubleheader but that is just the way it goes.

Harrisburg added a run in the ninth, as right-hander Luis Lebron came on in a bases loaded jam with two outs. Lebron walked pinch hitter Luke Montz to force in a run, but set down Jamel Spearman swinging to end the game and earn his ninth save of the season.

The Baysox close out their season tomorrow as RHP Ryohei Tanaka (4-3, 2.70) takes the hill against RHP Brad Meyers (4-1, 2.30) for Harrisburg. Game time is set for 2:05 p.m. as the Baysox celebrate Kids Appreciation Day. There will be a free giveaway to the first 1,000 kids ages 3-to-12 and an additional goody-bag to the first 250.

The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is nearly over! 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.

Check out the Chesapeake Baysox Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from September 6, 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.

OurSports Central