EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Baysox Rally Late But Fall to Reading

April 24, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - The Baysox looked as though they would go down quietly to Reading as they managed only two hits over the first eight innings, but a late rally led by second baseman Paco Figueroa gave the Baysox a chance in the ninth. It was not enough as the Phillies defeated Bowie 2-1 Friday night in Reading.

Reading jumped out to an early 1-0 lead off Baysox starter Brandon Erbe. Quintin Berry singled and stole second to start the inning. Berry attempted to steal third and would have been out on the throw by Baysox catcher Adam Donachie, but third baseman Miguel Abreu dropped the ball allowing Berry to slide in safely. Brian Stavisky followed with a two-out RBI single to left to put the Phillies out in front.

Reading starter Michael Stutes held the Baysox in check over six innings, not allowing a runner past first base while striking out eight and walking two in addition to allowing two hits. Stutes got some help from catcher Tuffy Gosewisch, who threw out Melvin Dorta trying to steal in the first inning and hit a leadoff home run to start the fourth off Erbe to give Reading a two-run lead.

Erbe was the tough luck loser again for the Baysox, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits while walking three in five innings of work. His seven strikeouts tied him for the team lead of 16 with Jake Arrieta. Erbe has taken the loss in all three of his starts this season, but has posted a miniscule ERA of 1.29 while holding hitters to a .157 average. Right-hander Ryan Keefer came on and rebounded nicely after a shaky outing the night before in which he walked the only two batters he faced. The right hander worked 2.0 innings allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two. Lefty Ryan Rodriguez also worked a scoreless inning of relief for the Baysox, keeping them within two heading into the ninth inning against Reading closer Sergio Escalona.

Paco Figueroa led off the ninth with a double, his seventh of the season which puts him atop the Eastern League. Figueroa moved to third on a groundout by shortstop Melvin Dorta, and scored on a single up the middle by first baseman Brandon Snyder. Dave Krynzel followed with a ground ball to second, but Reading's Brad Harman threw the ball away allowing Krynzel to reach on the error. One batter later, Ambiorix Concepcion walked to load the bases and put the go-ahead run in scoring position. Baysox skipper Brad Komminsk went to his bench for catcher Guillermo Rodriguez, but Escalona struck him out swinging to end the game. With the loss, the Baysox drop to 6-8 on the season, six games back of division leading Akron. Reading improves to 9-4 and sits 2.5 games back of the Aeros.

The Baysox look to bounce back tomorrow as LHP Bobby Livingston (1-1, 4.63 ERA) looks to play stopper against Reading LHP Antonio Bastardo (1-0, 1.23 ERA). Game time is set for 6:05 p.m.

The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway! 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 April 24, 2009


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