EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Curve Confuse Baysox Early

Published on August 29, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - The Baysox gave up four first inning runs and never caught the Curve as they fell 5-1 to Altoona at home Monday evening. With the loss, the Baysox fall to 72-62 on the season and are now a half game ahead of Richmond for second place in the division.

Bowie's offense recorded nine hits in the game, but struggled to get the lead off hitter on base and struggled with runners in scoring position as they managed just one run. The team left 11 runners on base in the game and left the bases loaded in the eighth inning. The Baysox also had at least one runner on base in every inning except the seventh, but had little success pushing them across.

"We had a lot of opportunities with men on base, but we just couldn't deliver," said Manager Gary Kendall. "We didn't get the leadoff runner on a lot and we didn't get two out hits. You hate to have that happen this late in the year with so much at stake, but we just didn't put a lot of hits together."

The Curve jumped out to the early lead in the top of the first against right-handed starting pitcher Armando Gabino. Leadoff batter Starling Marte tripled to left-center field and then scored the first run of the game on a double to center field by Brock Holt. After a single by Jeremy Farrell, Andrew Lambo knocked in the second run of the inning on a single to right field. Tony Sanchez extended the lead with a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Farrell. After walking Matt Curry, Gabino was removed from the game and replaced by right-hander Eddie Gamboa. The fourth run of the inning scored when Gamboa tried to pick off the runner at first base and threw the ball away, allowing Lambo to score from third to make the score 4-0.

In the sixth inning, Brandon Waring put the Baysox on the board with his 21st home run of the season against Altoona starter Aaron Pribanic that cut the lead to 4-1.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Curve added another run against right-handed reliever Brandon Cooney. With one out, the Curve loaded the bases with two hits and an intentional walk before Cooney walked Jeremy Farrell to force in a run and make the score 5-1.

Gabino recorded just one out before being removed from the game after allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits. Gamboa pitched the bulk of the game, as he lasted six and one-third innings, the longest outing for a reliever this season. Gamboa did not allow a run and struck out five batters while allowing three hits.

"Once you are in the bullpen, you are ready to go whenever," Gamboa said. "The key coming out of the bullpen is throwing strikes and trying to get out of jams, so it went ok - I threw a ball away. [Catcher Steve] Lerud did a good job of mixing the ball in and out and throwing different pitches and it made things go fast - I was trying to get our defense off the field."

Right-handed reliever Pat Egan pitched one and one-third scoreless innings in relief of Gamboa and allowed two hits while striking out two. Cooney pitched the ninth inning and allowed one run on two hits while walking two batters.

Designated hitter Robbie Widlansky played his first game in Bowie Monday after spending the last month and a half with Triple-A Norfolk. Widlansky made his presence felt as he led the team with three hits.

"There were some better arms [in Triple-A] and you really have to focus because every at bat counts," Widlansky said. "You can't swing at everything; you have to see the ball well, but I was swinging pretty well."

Tuesday, LHP Mike Ballard (7-2, 3.51) takes the mound for the Baysox as take on the Altoona Curve. His opponent will be RHP Kyle McPherson (7-5, 3.40).

The Baysox are home through Monday, Sep. 5 for an eight game home stand to finish the regular season. Promotions during the home stand include a Brian Matusz bobblehead giveaway Thursday, Sep. 1 and Fan Appreciation Day Sunday, Sep. 4.

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Eastern League Stories from August 29, 2011


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