EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Curve Sweep Sox

Published on May 17, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - The Curve (16-22) completed their sweep of the Baysox (15-24) Thursday evening as they topped the Baysox 3-2 to hand Bowie their sixth consecutive loss.

Bowie recorded at least one hit in each of the first five innings, but struggled to string hits together, managing just one run from those six hits. In five of the innings, the team got one runner on base, but was not able to record another hit to help push him around the bases.

"I would have liked to put some hits together, but it just didn't happen for us," said Manager Gary Kendall. "We are going to keep working and hopefully we can put one of those innings together where we get three, four, five hits in a row and get a little space. We have only managed to get a run here and there and that can be frustrating."

Despite a season-high six game losing streak and being on the wrong end of the first sweep of the season, Kendall has confidence that the team will keep their spirits up and keep battling.

"It's frustrating when you go in this tailspin and lose six in a row and you wonder when your next win is going to come," Kendall said. "We had a meeting with the guys today and we talked about just going out there and playing good baseball, going out there and doing good things. The guys are on board and there's effort and they are trying. We are just going to keep battling. I am not too concerned about our record, but I am concerned about seeing us play good baseball."

Making his season debut after starting the season on the Disabled List, right-handed starting pitcher Oliver Drake pitched six innings and allowed one run on three hits while striking out six batters.

"I had been down in Florida for a while and I was just excited to get back here and start my season," Drake said. "I felt healthy; I have been feeling healthy for the past couple weeks and tonight was no different. I felt good out there. I was able to throw all my pitches for strikes and I was happy with it."

The Curve jumped out to another early lead against Drake in the top of the third inning. After two hitless innings to start the game, Drake surrendered a lead off solo home run to right field to Elevys Gonzalez that made the score 1-0.

The Baysox tied the game right back in the bottom of the third inning against Altoona starter Phil Irwin. Third baseman Zelous Wheeler hit a one out double to left field and moved to third on a ground out by designated hitter Travis Adair. Right field Steven Bumbry plated Wheeler when he doubled to right field to tie the game 1-1.

Altoona took the lead back in the top of the seventh inning against left-handed reliever Chris Petrini. Miles Durham hit a one out double to right field and Gonzalez continued to haunt the Baysox as he followed with a double to left field that plated Durham and gave Altoona the 2-1 lead.

Bowie again answered with a run to tie the score in the bottom of the seventh. Center fielder LJ Hoes hit a lead off double to center field and moved to third base after a sacrifice bunt by first baseman Brandon Waring. Shortstop Manny Machado was then hit by a pitch and catcher Caleb Joseph brought Hoes home with a single to right field that made tied the score 2-2. Jhonathan Ramos replaced Irwin on the mound to finish the inning.

Altoona took the lead right back in the top of the eighth inning. Robbie Grossman drew a lead off walk and with one out, Tony Sanchez reached on a fielding error by Machado that allowed Grossman to move to third base. Matt Curry plated Grossman on a sacrifice fly to center field that made the score 3-2.

The Curve added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning against right-handed relief pitcher Pat Egan when Durham launched a solo home run to center field to make the score 4-2.

Petrini pitched two innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out one batter and walking one in the loss. Egan pitched the ninth inning for the Baysox and allowed one run on one hit while walking one batter.

Ramos earned the win for the Curve, pitching two and two-thirds hitless innings.

RHP Zach Clark (2-3, 4.12) takes the mound for the Baysox tomorrow as they begin a three game road series against the Harrisburg Senators. He will be opposed by RHP Robert Gilliam (1-3, 4.70).

The Baysox begin a three game road trip to Harrisburg beginning Friday, May 18 and return home Monday, May 21 for an eight game home stand.

Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox 20th season is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are now available at www.baysox.com, or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.

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Eastern League Stories from May 17, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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