EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Concepcion's Big Night Drowns Reading

Published on July 25, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion had a career night, going 4-for-4 with a career-high seven RBI as the Baysox beat Reading 12-2 in six innings. Concepcion fell a triple short of the cycle, but connected for his first career grand slam to cap a seven run fourth inning to break the game open. A hot, sticky day turned rainy after six innings, as the game was cut short due to inclement weather.

"I'm from the Dominican where it's hot all the time," Concepcion joked after the game. "As soon as the weather changes I'm always more comfortable."

The Baysox offense struck for a run in the first off Reading starter Vance Worley. Center fielder Danny Figueroa walked with one out and advanced to second on a groundout by first baseman Eric Crozier. Concepcion followed with a single to center, plating Figueroa and giving the Baysox a 1-0 lead.

Back came Reading in the top of the third inning against Baysox starter Brandon Erbe. Brad Harman doubled to left field to start the inning, and later scored on a two-out single by Ozzie Chavez. After a wild pitch put Chavez on second, Erbe hit Jeremy Slayden to put men on first and second with two outs. Brian Stavisky followed with a double into the corner in right, scoring Chavez and putting Reading ahead 2-1.

The Baysox took the lead back in the bottom of the third inning, as shortstop Robert Valido singled to start the inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by left fielder Jonathan Tucker. A bloop single by Figueroa put runners at the corners, and Concepcion laced a two-run double down the line in left to put the Baysox on top 3-2.

In the fourth inning, Worley began to lose his control as the rains began to come down harder at Prince George's Stadium. Catcher Steve Torrealba started the inning with a double, and Worley hit second baseman Paco Figueroa with a pitch before walking Valido to load the bases. Tucker slapped a Worley offering down the right field line, scoring two as Tucker looked to stretch it into a double. The throw to second skipped into left field, allowing Valido to score and putting the Baysox ahead 6-2. Worley hit Danny Figueroa with a pitch and issued a walk to Crozier to re-load the bases for Concepcion. Reading skipper Steve Roadcap made the call to the bullpen, bringing on Tristan Crawford to make his first appearance for Reading on the season. Concepcion took the first pitch he saw from the right-hander and crushed it deep into the night for a grand slam, making it a seven-run inning for the Baysox who now led 10-2.

The Baysox tacked on two more in the sixth inning as Crozier belted his fifth home run of the season. After the inning, umpires pulled both teams off the field as heavy rains and lightning ended the night early for both teams.

Erbe was credited with a complete game, going 6.0 innings allowing two earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out four. The Baltimore native earned his second win of the season, not allowing a ball out of the infield over the final three innings.

"It was kind of a crazy night, but it was easier on me because our defense was incredible tonight," Erbe said. "Things went pretty well and I'm just happy to be out there and be pain free."

Concepcion's previous career high in RBI was four, a mark reached three times, the last of which coming as a member of the Port St. Lucie Mets on June 25, 2007 against Dunedin. After driving in 23 runs in the first three months of the season, Concepcion has driven in 20 this month while taking over at the Baysox cleanup hitter.

"The coaches prepared me well," Concepcion said. "I just want to thank (Manager) Brad (Komminsk) for keeping me confident all the time."

He called his performance the best game of his career, but when asked if he would be celebrating after a big night his smile went away and his demeanor turned business-like.

"We've got a game tomorrow and we're playing a team we have to beat," he said. "I'm going to try and rest up and get ready for that."

The win improves the Baysox to 55-45 on the season, moving into third place in the Southern Division. They currently sit 1.5 games behind second place Erie, while remaining 5.5 games back of first place Akron.

The two teams close out the series tomorrow as Baysox RHP Tim Bascom (2-2, 3.55) takes on Reading LHP Yohan Flande (0-2, 6.65). Game time is set for 6:05 p.m. on Scott Van Pelt night in Bowie. The first 1,000 fans ages six and up will receive a bobble head of ESPN anchor Scott Van Pelt, who will be on hand to sign autographs and meet with fans. The bobble heads will be given away courtesy of Madison Interiors.

The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is going strong! Check out www.baysox.com to see all that's going on at the stadium this year, and 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 July 25, 2009


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