Late Blast Buries Baysox
August 12, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release
BOWIE, Md. - An eighth inning rally put the Baysox in position to win, but a ninth inning home run by David Cooper stole 5-4 victory for the Fisher Cats. Third baseman Josh Bell stroked a two-run double in the eighth, his third hit of the game, but right-hander Jim Hoey could not hold the lead as the Baysox fall to 61-55 on the season.
Brandon Erbe took the mound for the Baysox, coming off an 8.0 inning, no-hit effort against the Fisher Cats in his last start. The right-hander struggled from the get-go, allowing two earned runs in the first inning. With Scott Campbell on first after being hit by a pitch, Cooper doubled to bring home the first run of the night for New Hampshire. Adam Calderone followed with a double down the line in right, scoring Cooper and giving Fisher Cats starter Adrian Martin an early 2-0 lead.
"Physically I felt alright, I just felt off mechanically," Erbe said. "I felt like I tried everything out there but it was just one of those days."
The Baysox offense responded quickly in the bottom of the first, as Bell and first baseman Eric Crozier blasted back-to-back homers to tie the score at two. It was the first time the Baysox have hit two in a row this season, and the first time since Mike Rodriguez and Jonathan Tucker did the deed on Aug. 26, 2008, against Trenton.
A veteran in the clubhouse, Crozier sees a lot of himself in Bell, the young third baseman acquired in the deal for Orioles closer George Sherrill. The two have developed a chemistry off the field, and the knowledge of a nine-year veteran in Crozier will help to aid in Bell's development both on and off the field.
"I think it's good just to talk hitting with anybody, young and old," Crozier said. "Hopefully we can help each other because he's obviously a guy who has some skills at the plate and in the field who is really fun to watch."
Despite keeping the Fisher Cats off the board, Erbe continued to struggle with his control. The Baltimore native walked five and departed after 4.0 innings allowing two earned runs on five hits. Right-hander Zach Clark came on to replace him in the fifth inning, and New Hampshire responded by taking the lead on an RBI single by Dustin Mastroianni.
Left-hander Ryan Rodriguez came on in the seventh inning in his first game since being recalled from Class A+ Frederick. Having not allowed a run in 15.0 innings of work with the Keys, he stayed in his groove in his return to double-A, not allowing a hit in 2.0 innings of work. It has been a whirlwind couple of days for the southpaw, in addition to re-joining the Baysox, his wife gave birth to a child a few days ago.
"I haven't been able to throw the last couple of days but it was nice to get in there right away," Rodriguez said. "We worked on ironing out the mechanics that we changed a little bit when I was here (earlier this season)"
The Baysox remained down by one heading into the bottom of the eighth, but put the first two men on looking to tie the score. Left fielder Jonathan Tucker led off with a walk, and center fielder Danny Figueroa was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second for Bell. After getting ahead in the count 3-1, Bell crushed a fastball over the head of the center fielder and one-hopped the wall. Tucker and Figueroa both scored, and despite being thrown out trying to stretch it into a triple, Bell had done the damage again as the Baysox led 4-3. In addition to going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBI, he also made three nice plays ranging to his left to give the Baysox a boost in the field as well.
"I feel good and locked in, just taking it one game at a time," Bell said. "I get a lot of fastballs because (Crozier) has been really great with the protection."
Hoey came on in the ninth inning but New Hampshire took back the lead. After retiring the first two batters of the inning, a single by Brad Emaus extended the game for New Hampshire. Cooper followed with his seventh home run of the season, a towering blast just over the glove of right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion.
Right-hander Leon Boyd came on in the ninth, working for the second consecutive night after taking the loss in last night's contest. The sidearm right-hander allowed one-out singles to designated hitter Dave Krynzel and catcher Adam Donachie, but the Baysox were unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Pinch hitter Steve Torrealba flied out to center field, and Tucker popped out to the catcher in foul territory to end the Baysox threat.
With the loss, the Baysox fall to 11.5 games behind Southern Division leader Akron. They remain 2.5 games behind second place Reading for the second and final playoff spot in the Eastern League playoffs.
Tomorrow RHP Tim Bascom (2-5, 3.48) takes the hill for the Baysox, he will be matched up against LHP Luis Perez (7-10, 3.85). Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. Fans are encouraged to join the Baysox as they celebrate Orioles Pride Night, with a special guest appearance by former Orioles outfielder Mike Devereaux.
The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is going strong! 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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Eastern League Stories from August 12, 2009
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