Defenders Stifle Baysox Bats
June 11, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release
Norwich, Ct. - Right-hander John Mariotti worked seven strong innings allowing two earned runs, but the Baysox could not muster enough offense as they fell to the Defenders 2-1 Thursday night in Connecticut. First baseman Brandon Snyder collected two hits for the third straight game, but Connecticut right-hander Brooks McNiven outdueled Mariotti to earn his first win of the season.
McNiven, starting in place of left-hander Madison Bumgarner (sick), allowed a run in the first inning as the Baysox jumped out in front early. Shortstop Robert Valido singled and stole second base to put a runner in scoring position with one out for Snyder. The Eastern League's RBI leader came through with a double into center field, plating Valido and putting the Baysox on top 1-0. Snyder would finish the night 2-4, raising his average to .355 on the season, good enough for second best in the league.
Mariotti was perfect through the first two innings before running into trouble in the third. Sharlon Schoop singled to start the inning and Bobby Felmy followed with a walk. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position, Mariotti uncorked a wild pitch which scored Schoop and tied the game at one. Brock Bond drew a free pass to put runners on the corners with one out. Mike McBryde followed with an RBI groundout, scoring Felmy and giving the Defenders a 2-1 lead.
McNivens would settle down after the first inning, not allowing a runner past first base until second baseman Miguel Abreu doubled with two outs in the seventh. McNivens would finish off the seventh inning by getting right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion to ground out. The right-hander induced 13 ground ball outs on the night, including three double plays to keep the Baysox in check through 7.0 innings of work.
Mariotti was the tough luck loser, allowing two earned runs on four hits in 7.0 of work. Much like his counterpart, Mariotti also induced 13 ground ball outs on the night, keeping his infielders busy with the help of his heavy sinker. After allowing 11 earned runs in his first three starts of the season, Mariotti has allowed four earned runs in his last four starts to lower his ERA to 3.24 on the season.
Connecticut left-hander Joe Paterson came on in the eighth inning, setting the Baysox down in order. Right-hander Dan Otero followed suit in the ninth, retiring the Baysox 1-2-3 to earn his 13th save of the season. With the loss, the Baysox drop to 30-29 on the season, 8.5 games back of Southern Division leader Akron.
The Baysox will travel to New Britain on Friday to open up a three-game weekend set with the Rock Cats. Game time is set for 6:35 at New Britain Stadium.
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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