EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Majestic Matusz Wins Sixth Straight

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


HARRISBURG, Pa. - Brian Matusz shut down the Harrisburg offense, holding the Senators to one run over 7.0 innings of work as the Baysox won 6-1. The left-hander has earned a win in each of his first six starts with the team, lowering his ERA to 1.88 on the season and snapping the team's four-game losing skid. First baseman Eric Crozier led the offensive attack by reaching base five times and driving in two runs, helping the Baysox improve to 53-44 on the season.

Bowie jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning against Harrisburg starter Luis Atilano. Designated hitter Danny Figueroa started things off with a one-out single. Crozier followed with a walk and right fielder Ambiorix Concepcion singled to load the bases. Second baseman Miguel Abreu came through with a single to left field, scoring Figueroa and Crozier to put the Baysox on top. The two RBI gives Abreu 31 for the season, and his two hits gave him his 32nd multi-hit game of the season.

They would add another run in the second inning as Figueroa smashed a triple to center to spark a two-out rally. Crozier followed with a single, scoring Figueroa and staking Matusz to a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second.

Harrisburg tallied their only run in the bottom of the third inning, as former Baysox infielder Freddie Bynum led off the frame with his second home run of the season. It proved to be the only mistake Matusz would make on the night, as the southpaw left after 7.0 innings allowing one earned run on four hits while walking one and striking out four.

After allowing the home run to Bynum, Matusz retired the side in order in each of the next four innings before turning it over to the bullpen. With the exception of his last start against Akron on July 16 in which he allowed six runs, Matusz has allowed two earned runs combined in his other five starts on the season. In two starts against Harrisburg this season, Matusz has allowed one earned run on five hits in 15.0 innings of work, striking out 15 and walking one.

The Baysox tallied single runs in each of the final three innings to finish off the scoring. With the bases loaded and one out in the seventh inning, Concepcion brought home a run with an RBI groundout. They loaded the bases again in the eighth inning, with Crozier drawing a walk to force in a run against Senators All-Star left-hander Jack Spradlin. In the ninth, Abreu singled and stole second to lead off the inning, advancing to third on a wild pitch. Catcher Adam Donachie brought him home when he reached on a throwing error by Harrisburg third baseman Joel Guzman.

Left-hander Chad Thall worked a scoreless eighth inning for the Baysox, allowing two runners to reach before getting Michael Daniel to ground into an inning ending double play. Right-hander Ryan Ouellette allowed a run on two hits in the ninth inning, but got Marvin Lowrance swinging with two men on to seal the Baysox win.

The two teams go at it again tomorrow as RHP Radhames Liz (3-1, 2.43) takes the mound against LHP Cory VanAllen (2-4, 5.52). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

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 July 21, 2009


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