Baysox, Flying Squirrels Split Doubleheader
April 10, 2010 - Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release
BOWIE, Md. - The Bowie Baysox won their first game of the 2010 season 6-4 over the Richmond Flying Squirrels in a continuation of Thursday's rain-soaked opener before dropping the day's second game 2-0.
The opener, which was the Flying Squirrels' first-ever game, was highlighted by strong pitching by left-handed pitcher Zach Britton and promising offensive production by a number of Baysox players on Thursday before the rain.
The game resumed on Friday in the top of the fifth inning, where Britton had left runners on first and second after retiring the first 11 batters he faced. Right-hander Pat Egan took over and got off to a rough start, throwing a wild pitch before giving up a double to Jackson Williams that drove both runners home to give Richmond the lead, 2-1.
The Baysox responded with a run in the bottom of the fifth on a ground ball single from third baseman Brandon Waring which drove in right fielder Miguel Abreu. The RBI single was one of three hits that the 2009 Carolina League MVP picked up in the game.
Bowie went on to take the lead for good in the sixth after a Ryan Adams double plated catcher Caleb Joseph. Joseph had reached base on a walk, his second on the night. The walks reflected Joseph's improving plate discipline -- he had not drawn two walks in a single game since June 6, 2009.
The Baysox put the game away in the seventh inning in a sequence that began with an excellent bunt down the third base line by designated hitter Paco Figueroa which was followed by successive singles by Waring and first baseman Robbie Widlansky. A deep sacrifice fly to right by Joseph scored Figueroa before second baseman Ryan Adams hit a two RBI double for a 6-2 Baysox lead.
The Squirrels showed signs of life in the eighth, scoring a pair of runs off reliever Armando Gabino before lefty Chad Thall slammed the door shut and picked up the save.
The second game featured strong outings by Baysox pitcher Steve Johnson and Squirrels starter Clayton Tanner. Johnson's strength came in the six strikeouts he earned -- many of which were in critical situations, as the Squirrels stranded 11 runners in scoring position.
"That was big," Johnson said of his repeated escapes from danger. "I had a guy on third with less than two outs two or three times and to get out of it, especially in the first game where it's a little colder than usual, it was good."
Tanner ultimately got the better of the pitchers' duel after retiring 15 of the first 17 Baysox players he faced. His teammates sealed the win in the sixth inning with a double by catcher Tyler La Torre that scored Roger Kieschnick and a sacrifice fly by Clay Timpner that brought home Nick Noonan. In all, the Baysox were only able to manage two hits off Tanner.
Manager Brad Komminsk expressed frustration mixed with optimism at the performance. "I thought we played not very good defense," he said. "We gave them way too many outs and too many opportunities to do some damage with us. They've got a pretty good swinging club, so, you do that and you're behind the eight-ball, we've got to play a lot better defense."
"It should get better," Komminsk added, "but it definitely needs to."
The Baysox and Flying Squirrels play again Saturday at 6:35 in a game that will feature post-game fireworks before they close out the series Sunday at 2:05.
Think Outside The Box with the Baysox in 2010. The Baysox 18th season as the class Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway. Catch all the action in Natural Definition! Baysox full-season and partial-season ticket packages are available now at www.baysox.com or by calling the group sales department at (301) 464-4880.
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