EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Hoes Hoses Harrisburg

Published on July 26, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Last updated: July 26, 2011
Source: Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Designated hitter LJ Hoes hit two home runs to lead the Baysox to a 6-2 victory over the Harrisburg Senators at home Tuesday night. With the win, the Baysox improved to 56-45 on the season and a half game behind Harrisburg for first place.

Hoes hit his first two home runs in a Baysox uniform Tuesday night in his 54th game with the team. He was the third player to hit multiple home runs in a game this season as third baseman Brandon Waring also hit the mark June 9 and Luke Scott did so July 21.

"It just felt good; I put some good swings on the ball, I got some good pitches to handle and I was lucky enough to put some good swings on them," Hoes said. "It's just been a long time coming - there have been a lot of jokes from teammates, saying stop hitting all these singles, hit like a man and hit a home run."

Left-handed starting pitcher Rick Zagone pitched six and two-thirds innings and allowed two runs on three hits while striking out a season-high eight to win his fourth game of the season. Zagone altered his delivery and adjusted his leg-kick, which helped improve his performance.

"I knew they were a good team - they have been leading the league for a while now and they have a couple good sluggers," Zagone said. "I was just trying to keep them off-balance and work in the inside corner and put some ground balls in play. I was trying to work on something at the beginning of the year and I kind of went back to what I usually do and I feel more comfortable where I'm at right now."

Hoes got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning against Senators starter Erik Davis when he hit his first home run of the year to right-center field to give the Baysox a 1-0 lead.

In the third inning, the Senators took their first lead of the game against Zagone. With one out, Chris McConnell walked and then Derek Norris hit a two out home run to left field to make the score 2-1.

The Baysox took the lead back in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out, Hoes hit his second home run of the ball game to left field to even the score. Then with two outs, Waring walked and catcher Caleb Joseph singled to put runners at first and third base. Joseph then hit a double into the gap in right-center field to knock in both runners and give the Baysox a 4-2 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Baysox added to the lead against Senators reliever Hassan Pena. Right fielder Ronnie Welty led off the inning by being hit by a pitch and center fielder Xavier Avery singled to shortstop. Second baseman Cesar Izturis followed with a sacrifice bunt that moved both runners into scoring position. With L.J. Hoes batting, Pena threw a wild pitch that allowed Welty to score. Hoes then picked up his third RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly to left field that made the score 6-2.

Right-handed reliever Eddie Gamboa pitched two and one-third scoreless innings and allowed one hit while striking out one batter to earn his second save of the season.

Wednesday, LHP Mike Ballard (6-0, 2.90) takes the mound for the Baysox as they finish a three game series with the Harrisburg Senators. His opponent will be LHP Oliver Perez (2-2, 3.75).

The Baysox are home through Wednesday, July 27 for a seven game home stand that features a day game starting at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, July 27. The team begins a five game road trip to New Britain Thursday, July 28 and is back home for seven games starting Thursday, August 2.

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