EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Clark Helps Baysox Avoid Sweep

Published on August 18, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Richmond, Va. - The Baysox avoided a sweep at the hands of the Flying Squirrels with a 5-4 win in Richmond Thursday evening. With the win, the Baysox break a four game losing streak and improve to 68-56 on the season to remain in second place in the Western Division.

Right-handed starting pitcher Zach Clark pitched six solid innings for the Baysox, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out three in the win. The win, Clark's eighth of the season, ties him for the team lead. Clark has had success against Richmond this season as he has recorded three wins in five starts.

First baseman Joe Mahoney continued his hot streak as he drove in two more runs Thursday, increasing his series total to seven. Mahoney leads the Baysox with 54 RBIs this season.

After trailing to start the first two games in the series, it was the Flying Squirrels who struck first in the bottom of the first inning against Clark. Darren Ford hit a lead off single to center field and went to third when Francisco Peguero singled to right field. Johnny Monell plated Ford with a single to shortstop that put Richmond up 1-0.

The Flying Squirrels added another run in the bottom of the second inning. Juan Perez hit a lead off single to center field and after stealing second and moving to third on a ground out, he scored on a ground out by Skyler Stromsmoe that made the score 2-0.

The Baysox took their first lead of the game in the top of the fifth inning against Richmond starter Clayton Tanner. Designated hitter Caleb Joseph drew a lead off walk and with one out, catcher Steve Lerud also walked. Center fielder Xavier Avery then doubled to left field to score Joseph and move Lerud to third. Second baseman Greg Miclat then reached on a fielder's choice and a missed catch error by Chris Dominguez that allowed Lerud to score. With two outs, Mahoney and shortstop Pedro Florimon hit back-to-back singles to drive in two more runs and put the Baysox ahead 4-2.

Richmond got one run right back in the bottom of the inning when Stromsmoe hit a lead off home run to right field that made the score 4-3.

Bowie added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning against Richmond reliever Wilmin Rodriguez. Miclat drew a lead off walk and went to third base when left fielder LJ Hoes singled to right field. Miclat scored on a sacrifice fly by Mahoney that extended the Baysox lead to 5-3. After a walk by Florimon and a single by third baseman Buck Britton, the Baysox had the bases loaded with just one out, but Joseph grounded into a double play to end the inning.

The Flying Squirrels attempted one last rally in the bottom of the ninth inning against right-handed closer Jose Diaz. With two outs, Perez hit a home run to left field to make the score 5-4, but Diaz recorded a strikeout later in the inning to end the game.

Right-handed reliever Chorye Spoone pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Clark and allowed just one hit. In eight appearances out of the bullpen, Spoone has allowed just five earned runs. Diaz pitched the ninth inning and allowed one run on two hits while striking out three as he earned his 19th save of the season.

Richmond starter Tanner walked five batters in his five innings of work and the Baysox took advantage during their big fifth inning where two runners that walked came around to score. The Baysox had more success Thursday with stringing together hits with runners in scoring position than they had earlier in the series.

The Baysox were outhit by Richmond 10-7, but it didn't matter as the Baysox took advantage of the chances they had to convert their hits into five runs. It was the 12th time this season the Baysox have won when being outhit.

Florimon tied the season-high as he drew four walks during the course of the game. It was the second time this season a Baysox player has walked four times as Ronnie Welty also hit the mark. As a team, the Baysox drew eight walks during the course of the game.

Friday, LHP Mike Ballard (7-1, 3.48) takes the mound for the Baysox as they travel to Trenton to being a three game series against the Thunder.

The Baysox are on the road through Sunday, August 21 for road trip that includes stops in Richmond and Trenton. The team returns home Monday, August 22 for a three-game home stand against Akron.

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Eastern League Stories from August 18, 2011


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