EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Lincoln Stymies Baysox, Avoid Sweep

Published on May 21, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Altoona right-hander Brad Lincoln tossed a two-hitter as the Curve avoided the sweep by shutting out the Baysox 2-0. John Mariotti pitched well in his third start, but it was not enough as the Baysox fell to 19-19, ten games behind Eastern League South leader Akron.

Altoona got on the board in the second inning, as the Curve found the holes in the defense. Jonel Pacheco tapped a ball to third which hugged the third base line for a hit. Pedro Lopez followed with a bunt single and both runners advanced on a wild pitch to put men on second and third with nobody out. One batter later, Jason Delaney found the gap with a two-run double into right-center field to put the Curve on top by two.

The Baysox looked to answer back in the bottom of the inning, as right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion singled with one out. Newly acquired shortstop Brandon Pinckney followed with a bloop single to right to put two men on for designated hitter Joe Nowicki. Lincoln induced Nowicki to ground into an inning ending double play on the first pitch, ending the threat and ending the Baysox only chance with runners in scoring position on the night.

"Him being 92-96 (MPH) for nine innings and spotting in and out is going to be tough," said first baseman Brandon Snyder, who was held hitless in back-to-back nights for the first time this season. "Plus he was throwing his breaking ball for strikes."

Mariotti settled down and provided the Baysox with his most efficient outing since being called up from Class A Frederick on May 7. The sinker-baller allowed two earned runs on five hits over six innings while walking four and striking out four. After struggling with mechanical issues in his last start, Mariotti said tonight was a big step forward as he becomes acclimated to Double-A.

"I felt way more comfortable," said Mariotti. "I was overthrowing a bit the first two outings but tonight was nice and easy and I felt pretty good.

Lincoln faced one batter over the minimum while retiring 13 Baysox in less than three pitches. After the second inning, the Altoona right-hander put down 16 straight Baysox hitters until a walk to Concepcion in the bottom of the eighth inning. Much like the second inning, Lincoln responded by inducing a double-play to quell any potential threat.

In the ninth inning, catcher Guillermo Rodriguez walked to start the inning against Lincoln. With closer Jean Machi ready in the bullpen, Altoona skipper Matt Walbeck decided to stay with Lincoln. The move paid off, as Lincoln got second baseman Buck Britton to ground into a 3-6-3 double play, the third of the night, to erase the Baysox threat. Center fielder Dave Krynzel followed with a weak pop up to end the game as Lincoln walked away with a complete game shutout for his first win of the season.

One bright spot for the Baysox was the pitching of left-hander Ryan Rodriguez, who came on for Mariotti in the sixth. After struggling with mechanical issues of his own, Rodriguez worked around five hits in 3.0 scoreless innings of work to keep the Baysox in the game.

"It's almost like a new arm slot," Rodriguez said of his adjustments. "I was a little shaky around the plate but I felt a lot more accurate."

The Baysox finished the eight game home-stand with a record of 6-2. They will travel to Harrisburg tomorrow to open up a four-game set with the last place Senators. RHP Jake Arrieta (4-1, 2.70 ERA) looks to earn his team-leading fifth win against Harrisburg RHP Luis Atilano (2-3, 6.52). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

The team will return home Friday, May 29, as fans will have a chance to help the Baysox set a world record by having the most people wear their sunglasses at night.

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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Eastern League Stories from May 21, 2009


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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