EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Costanzo Feeling Grand As Baysox Roll

Published on May 30, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Third baseman Michael Costanzo blasted a grand slam and Troy Patton worked an efficient seven innings as the Baysox defeated Harrisburg 7-2 Saturday night. Shortstop Robert Valido had three hits and five Baysox hitters posted multi-hit nights as they climb to 24-22 on the season.

Left-hander Troy Patton earned his team leading sixth win of the season which puts him into a three-way tie atop the Eastern League. He attacked the plate early and often keeping his pitch count low, allowing him to work into the eighth inning for the first time this season. The southpaw allowed two earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out three on the night. Despite the great outing, Patton's ERA rose to 1.75 for the season, still good enough for second place in the Eastern League. Patton gave the credit to his defense for his success on the mound, prompting a chuckle from his manager.

"Troy is never impressed with his outings," manager Brad Komminsk said with a smile. "He gave us seven quality innings and you can't ask for much more from your starter."

The Baysox took an early lead in the second inning against Senators starter Justin Jones. With one out, second baseman Miguel Abreu crushed a no doubt home run to left for the first run of the game. Abreu has been on a terror as of late, posting five multi-hit games over his last seven contests, raising his average to .289 on the season.

They would add another run in the third as right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion tripled to start the inning. Valido followed with a soft single to left over the head of the shortstop to make the score 2-0. Always a slick fielder, Valido has been working to overcome a slow start at the plate. Since May 16, Valido has raised his average 40 points to bring his average back toward .200 at .197 for the season.

"I'm seeing the ball pretty good," Valido said. "I've been working hard every day with (Baysox hitting coach) Moe (Hill) and I just want to keep it going."

The big blow for the offense came in the fifth thanks to Costanzo's blast. Valido led off the inning with a single. Left fielder Jonathan Tucker followed with a single to center and both runners advanced when Elijah Dukes' throw skipped past the infielders, putting two men in scoring position with nobody out. First baseman Brandon Snyder was intentionally walked, setting the table for Costanzo. The Baysox slugger took the 2-2 offering from Jones the opposite way for his first home run of the season. A former Eastern League All-Star, Costanzo had been struggling at the plate this season, hitting .210 with no home runs in 119 at-bats between Norfolk and Bowie.

"You have to roll with the punches here with this game," Costanzo said. "I'm starting to hit the ball hard and getting back into the everyday grind."

The Baysox added a single run in the sixth inning with a two-out rally. Krynzel doubled off Senators reliever Andrew Kown, scoring on a single up the middle by Tucker. Tucker finished the night 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI in addition to making an outstanding diving catch to rob Matt Whitney of extra bases. The Baysox left fielder has posted two hits in each of his last three games, raising his average to .277 for the season.

Ouellette came on for Patton in the eighth, working 2.0 shutout innings to close out the victory for the Baysox. The right-hander has been a pleasant surprise out of the bullpen so far this season, allowing one earned run through 11.0 innings of work since being called up from Frederick on May 14.

The two teams close out the series Sunday afternoon at Prince George's Stadium. RHP Sean Gleason (2-3, 7.08) takes the mound in search of his third straight win. He will be opposed by Senators RHP Erik Arnesen (2-1, 2.84). Game time is set for 2:05 and fans are encouraged to come early as gates open at 12:15 for Meet the Team Day!

The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway! 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 May 30, 2009


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