EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Kickham Takes Down Baysox

Published on May 23, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - The Baysox (18-27) offense struggled Wednesday night as they lost 6-2 to the Richmond Flying Squirrels (22-24) for their second loss in a row.

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts made his season debut on a Major League Rehab Assignment with the Baysox Wednesday night. He made two plate appearances and walked both times, scoring one run. It was the first game Roberts has played since May 2011.

"When I got in the box, I was comfortable," Roberts said. "It was a lot more comfortable than I thought it was going to be and that was a bonus tonight. I told Brady [Anderson] that it might not be the worst thing to see some pitches and not necessarily have to swing that much, but hopefully I will get more tomorrow night."

The Baysox offense struggled to produce for the second straight night with just five hits after managing only six last night. The team also struck out 12 times and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

"What is killing us is extra base hits," said Manager Gary Kendall. "[The other team] is going out there and hitting doubles and we are trying to get a lead off man on and get four or five singles. We aren't doing a good job hitting fastballs; they threw plenty of fastballs in there tonight and we didn't do much with it."

Richmond jumped out to an early lead against right-handed starting pitcher Zach Clark. Wendell Fairley hit a one out single to left field and went to second on a single to center field by Gary Brown. Ryan Cavan hit the third consecutive single of the inning to center field to plate Fairley and give Richmond a 1-0 lead.

The Baysox tied the game in the bottom of the inning against Richmond starter Mike Kickham. Roberts drew a lead off walk and scored when left fielder Buck Britton doubled to right field to tie the game 1-1.

The Flying Squirrels again struck with two outs to take the lead back in the top of the sixth inning. With two outs, Ehire Adrianza reached on a bunt single to the pitcher and moved to third base when Jose Flores reached on a fielding error by first baseman Robbie Widlansky. Both runners scored when Fairley singled to left field, but Fairley was thrown out advancing to second base to end the inning with Richmond leading 3-1.

Bowie got one run back in the bottom of the seventh inning against Richmond reliever Jake Dunning. Designated hitter Josh Barfield reached on a fielding error by third baseman Daniel Mayora and moved to second base when right fielder Steve Bumbry singled to left field. With second baseman Jonathan Schoop batting, both runners advanced on a wild pitch and Barfield scored when Schoop grounded out to make the score 3-2.

Richmond again extended their lead with another run in the top of the eighth inning against right-handed reliever Sean Gleason. Juan Perez hit a lead off double to left field and moved to third base when Adrianza reached on a sacrifice bunt and fielder's choice that saw both runners safe. Third baseman Zelous Wheeler was ejected on the play for arguing the call at third base. With one out, Fairley plated Perez with a sacrifice fly that made the score 4-2.

The Flying Squirrels added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning. With one out, Mayora hit a home run to left field and Chris Dominguez followed with a single to center field. Nick Liles replaced Dominguez on the base paths and stole second base with Johnny Monell batting. Monell then doubled to right field to plate Liles and give Richmond a 6-2 lead.

Clark pitched six innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on eight hits while striking out five batters and walking two in the loss. Right-handed reliever Kyler Newby pitched one scoreless inning in relief of Clark and allowed two hits while striking out one batter. Gleason pitched two innings and allowed three runs on four hits while striking out two batters.

Kickham pitched five innings and allowed one run on three hits while striking out seven batters in the win.

RHP Tim Bascom (3-2, 4.38) takes the mound for the Baysox tomorrow as they play the final game in a four game home series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. He will be opposed by RHP Justin Fitzgerald (3-2, 4.44).

The Baysox are home through Monday, May 28 for an eight game home stand. Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will be with the Baysox beginning Wednesday, May 23 for a Major League Rehab Appearance. Thursday, May 24 is Mane-ly May and Jake Arrieta Bobblehead giveaway night during the game starting at 7:05 p.m.

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 23, 2012


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