Bergeron's Leadoff Homer Enough as Baysox Sweep Reading
Published on June 2, 2005 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release
BOWIE, MD - Peter Bergeron accomplished a rare feat on Thursday night - he delivered a game-winning home run to lead off the game.
The Baysox centerfielder spoiled an otherwise spectacular outing by Reading's Seung-Hak Lee when he started the first inning by curling a homer just inside the left-field foul pole, providing all the offense the Baysox would need in a 1-0 victory at Prince George's Stadium.
The win completes a three-game sweep of the Phillies and puts the Baysox (27-26) back over .500.
Baysox starter Richard Stahl gave up just two hits on the night, but lasted only four innings because of a high pitch count created in part by four walks and five strikeouts.
But Ryan Keefer (3-1) preserved the lead for the Baysox with three scoreless innings in relief. Sendy Rleal and Chris Ray teamed to record the final six outs of the game.
Reading had several scoring opportunities, beginning in the top of the first. The Phillies started the game with an infield single and a walk, and a double steal put runners at second and third with none out.
Stahl struck out Randy Ruiz for first out, and John Castellano grounded into a fielder's choice that cut down the runner trying to break for home. Juan Richardson then ended the inning by grounding out to first base.
Chris Roberson started the sixth with a double to the gap in right-center, and after recording two outs Keefer walked Richardson to put two runners on. But Jim Deschaine popped out behind the plate to end that threat.
The Phillies' last gasp came in the eighth. Michael Bourn led off with an infield single of and promptly stole second. Rleal fanned Roberson, and Tripper Johnson leapt straight into the air to snag a rocket off the bat of Ruiz. Manager Don Werner brought in Ray to face John Castellano, and the Baysox closer did his job by striking out the Reading catcher.
Meanwhile Lee, who turned 26 today, did all he could to put the Phillies in position to win. After giving up the homer to Bergeron, the right-hander allowed just two infield hits and retired 17 of the last 18 batters he faced. All told, Lee (2-1) tossed eight innings, allowing three hits and no walks while striking out eight.
Ray pitched a one-two-three ninth inning to pick up his 13th save of the season.
BAYSOX NOTES: Bergeron's leadoff homer was the first by a Baysox since Tim Raines, Jr. accomplished the feat just over two years ago. Ironically, Raines' blast also came against Reading, in a 6-4 loss to the Phillies on May 11, 2003 at Prince George's Stadium...The Baysox have now swept three different three-game series this season. Bowie has yet to be swept in three games...Ray is now just one save short of tying Joe Borowski's all-time record for consecutive saves in a season. Borowski converted 14 consecutive save opportunities in 1994, but extended that streak into the following season with seven more saves...Reading hit 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position on the night.
ON DECK: The Baysox make their third trip of the season to Akron this weekend, beginning with a 7:05 p.m. contest at Canal Park on Friday. LHP Brian Forystek (1-3, 4.01) will square off against RHP J.D. Martin (1-0, 1.86).
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