EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Big Baysox Hits Bruise Squirrels

Published on May 11, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - For the second night in a row, the Baysox used a late game rally to break a 4-4 tie and beat the Flying Squirrels 6-5 Wednesday afternoon. The win moves the Baysox to 17-16 on the season.

The Baysox led for most of the game, but ran into trouble in the top of the sixth inning, allowing the Flying Squirrels to tie the game before a two-RBI single by catcher Caleb Joseph gave the lead back to the Baysox.

After struggling over the weekend, the Baysox offense played another strong game Wednesday, coming through with several clutch hits that helped maintain the lead over Richmond.

"I thought we put good swings on some pitches," said Manager Gary Kendall. "The solo home runs in that [4th] inning really helped us out - I wish there were some men aboard. I thought offensively we started the turn the corner the last two days because hits were very scarce and not that we're not working on it, but we're trying to get everybody going on all cylinders."

The Baysox struck first in the second inning as shortstop Pedro Florimon carried over his momentum from last night when he drove in the game-tying RBI in the bottom of the ninth inning. Right fielder Ronnie Welty drew a walk to get on base and after stealing second, he scored on a single to center field by Florimon. Designated hitter Steve Lerud followed with a single to right field that moved Florimon to third where he scored on a single by second baseman Carlos Rojas to give the Baysox an early 2-0 lead.

After pitching three scoreless innings to start the game, Baltimore Orioles right-handed starting pitcher Alfredo Simon ran into trouble in the top of the fourth inning. Roger Kieschnick hit a lead off double to left-center field and Juan Perez followed with a single to right-center field that plated Kieschnick. Simon walked a batter later in the inning and threw 30 total pitches, but didn't allow any more runs to protect the Baysox 2-1 lead.

"I got into some trouble when I got behind in the count and when I tried to throw strikes they got some hits," Simon said. "Sometimes that happens. I was just trying to work on my slider and my curve and I got behind in the count a few times. My velocity on all my pitches was really good and I think my control improved from my first start."

Bowie scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to build the lead up to three. Welty hit a solo home run, his team-leading sixth of the season, to lead off the inning and Florimon hit his own solo shot to left field later in the inning to put the Baysox up 4-1.

"My whole approach is to get a good pitch and put a good swing on it and hit it hard, but I just went up there and was patient and relaxed and it went really well," Welty said. "The more and more I play, I'm learning what I can hit and what I can't hit. I battled that at bat and waited for a good pitch and he left a change-up up and I put a good swing on it."

Despite nearing his pitch limit, Simon returned to pitch the top of the sixth inning, but after allowing the first two hitters to reach, he was replaced by left-handed reliever Pedro Viola. With runners on first and second and no outs, Joe Koshansky reached on a fielding error by first baseman Robbie Widlansky and Kieschnick scored on the play while Perez moved to third. Johnny Monell then drew a walk to load the bases and a wild pitch by Viola allowed all the runners to advance, scoring Perez. Aaron Lowenstein drove in the final run of the inning when he grounded out to second base, driving Koshansky across to tie the game at 4-4.

The Baysox were able to retake the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning thanks to clutch hitting by several Bowie players. Rojas hit a one out single to center field and moved to third on a single by center fielder Xavier Avery. Avery stole second, giving him an Eastern League leading 17 stolen bases, and left fielder Kyle Hudson then drew a walk to load the bases for Joseph. Joseph came through with a two-RBI single to left field to give the Baysox a 6-4 lead that would turn out to be enough to win the game.

"I have just been in the right spot at the right time," Joseph said. "Hudson had a great at bat to give me an opportunity. If he doesn't take that walk and there is a base open, my whole approach changes. I just tried to put it in play and stay away from the double play. I was looking slider and got it and hit it."

Richmond made one last rally in the top of the ninth inning facing right-handed closer Jose Diaz, but it was not enough. Diaz struck out Skyler Stromsmoe, but then surrendered a double to Nick Noonan who moved to third on a wild pitch. Charlie Culberson singled to left-center field to drive in Noonan before Diaz finished striking out the side to end the game.

In his second start for the Baysox, Simon pitched five innings and allowed three earned runs on five hits while striking out a team-high eight batters. Viola pitched three innings in relief of Simon and allowed one unearned run on one hit while striking out two and earning the win. Diaz recorded his Eastern League leading 11th save of the season after pitching a ninth inning where he allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out three.

Thursday, the Baysox kick off a four-game home series against the Akron Aeros with RHP Zach Clark (3-1, 3.58) taking the mound for the Baysox against RHP Joe Gardner (2-1, 3.00).

The Baysox are at home through May 15 for a seven-game home stand that includes a Baysox Fleece Blanket Giveaway Thursday, May 12, Ghostbusters Night Friday, May 13, Fairy Tale Night Saturday, May 14, and Bark in the Park Sunday, May 15. 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.

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Eastern League Stories from May 11, 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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