Crozier Crushes Cats
June 20, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release
BOWIE, Md. - After each team produced big offensive innings early, the Baysox held on to win 5-4 win against New Britain Saturday night at Prince George's Stadium. First baseman Eric Crozier hit his second home run in as many games, a three-run blast that propelled the Baysox to a five-run first inning.
"I got out in front of a good pitch," Crozier said. "I'm still trying to settle in a little bit, but it's great to get a big hit in the process."
The Baysox five-run first was the most they have scored in an inning since putting five on the board against Erie on June 6. Left fielder Jonathan Tucker started things off with a single into center field. Tucker stole second, advancing to third on a throwing error by New Britain catcher Danny Lehmann. Shortstop Robert Valido followed with a sacrifice fly to bring Tucker home and give the Baysox an early lead. Second baseman Miguel Abreu followed with a single, and third baseman Michael Costanzo walked to put two men on with one out. One batter later, Crozier hit a towering fly ball to right that carried over the wall and gave the first baseman his second home run in his first five at-bats with the Baysox. After another walk to center fielder Danny Figueroa, catcher Adam Donachie hit a screamer into the left field corner. The double scored Figueroa and gave Donachie his 21st RBI of the season. Donachie finished the night 2-for-3 with a walk and two doubles, improving to 8-for-13 with a home run, five doubles and eight RBI over his last four games.
"I'm seeing the ball real well and not chasing bad pitches," Donachie said of his recent hot streak. "When I do get a good pitch I'm putting it in play and it's working out so far."
Baysox starter Radhames Liz made his first start with the Baysox since August 20, 2007. After getting through the first two innings unscathed, Liz ran into trouble as the Rock Cats struck for four runs in the third.
"I'm happy with the win but I'm not happy with my start," Liz said. "I didn't have too much control with my changeup or slider and it's not what I wanted it to be tonight."
Liz walked Yancarlos Ortiz with one out in the third. Lehmann followed with a bloop double down the line in left, putting two runners in scoring position with one out. Liz allowed an RBI single to Brandon Roberts, and Rene Tosoni followed with a three-run blast over the wall in right to bring New Britain within one.
Tosoni's home run proved to be the last show of offense for either team on the night. Mullins settled down and did not allow a run over his final 3.2 innings of work, while Liz continued to struggle with his control but managed to stay out of trouble. The Baysox right-hander finished his night after 5.0 innings of work, allowing four earned runs on four hits while walking five.
The Baysox bullpen once again showed why they are one of the best in the Eastern League. Fredy Deza came on in relief of Liz in the sixth, working 2.2 innings of one-hit ball while striking out four. The one hit came to Danny Valencia with two outs in the eighth, prompting Baysox skipper Brad Komminsk to put in left-hander Chad Thall to face the lefty Whit Robbins. The move paid off, as Thall struck out Robbins swinging to end the eighth and turn it over to Baysox closer Josh Perrault.
The right-hander did not disappoint, allowing two hits before getting pinch hitter Toby Gardenhire swinging to earn his 12th save of the season. Perrault has been nearly untouchable since taking over the closers role in mid-May, not allowing an earned run in 18 consecutive appearances. In the ninth inning this season, Perrault has not allowed an earned run in 12.2 innings of work while striking out 17 and walking only three.
With the win the Baysox improve to 36-31 on the season, 9.0 games behind Southern Division leader Akron. The two-teams close out their three-game set with an afternoon finale tomorrow at Prince George's Stadium. RHP John Mariotti (2-4, 3.14) looks to continue his recent surge against New Britain RHP Cole DeVries (4-5, 3.27). Game time is set for 2:05 p.m. and fans are encouraged to get to the park early to play catch on the field and meet the team as part of the Baysox Father's Day celebration. Both activities will start when the gates open at 12:30 p.m.
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 June 20, 2009
- Aeros Take Two from Sea Dogs - Akron RubberDucks
- Crozier Crushes Cats - Chesapeake Baysox
- Romak powers Curve over Connecticut - Altoona Curve
- Dopirak blasts EL-leading 16th HR in 8-2 win over Erie - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Defenders Fall 4-0/ Series tied 1-1 - Connecticut Defenders
- Akron sweeps the âDogs 1-0 and 8-1 - Portland Sea Dogs
- Fisher Cats Silence Erie Offense - Erie SeaWolves
- Trenton And Binghamton Rained Out On Saturday - Trenton Thunder
- Saturday's Doubleheader Rained Out, Doubleheader Set For Sunday - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- SeaWolves Game Notes for June 20 - Erie SeaWolves
- Aeros Media Notes - Akron RubberDucks
- Baysox make roster moves - Chesapeake Baysox
- Curve Game Notes for June 20 - Altoona Curve
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