EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Markakis Flies over Aeros

Published on July 7, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - Baltimore Orioles right-fielder Nick Markakis hit two home runs in his first Major League rehab start for the Baysox (43-44) to help the team end a four-game losing streak with a 7-1 win over the Akron Aeros (50-38) Saturday night.

"I put some good swings on the ball and ended up hitting them out of the ballpark a few times," Markakis said. "My hand feels good - it's just a slow process and I'm still not quite where I want to be but it's getting there."

Two Baltimore Orioles played with the Baysox Saturday night on Major League rehab assignments. Markakis went 2-for-3 with two home runs, three runs scored, four RBI, a walk and a strikeout. Designated hitter Taylor Teagarden went 1-for-2 with a run, two walks and a strikeout.

Akron recorded nine hits but scored just one run in the first three innings as the Baysox defense held strong with runners in scoring position. Two outfield assists helped cut innings short and Gamboa also picked off a runner at first base. The Baysox offense was much more efficient as they scored seven runs on nine hits.

"We've scuffled with [Steven] Wright out there - a knuckleball pitcher - so it was nice just to get a couple runs up there early and play some defense," said Manager Gary Kendall. "It was kind of an odd game - not many hits for us and we had to do some damage control on defense. I was really pleased with what Nick and Taylor did to help tonight."

Akron jumped out to an early lead against Baysox right-handed starting pitcher Eddie Gamboa. The first three batters of the game singled to load the bases and Nick Weglarz grounded into a force out to plate one run and give the Aeros a 1-0 lead.

Markakis helped the Baysox take the lead in the bottom of the third inning against Akron knuckleballer Steven Wright. Center fielder Antoan Richardson drew a two-out walk and Markakis followed with a home run to right-center field to give the Baysox a 2-1 lead.

The Baysox extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with a two out rally. Catcher Brian Ward, Markakis and Teagarden drew walks to load the bases and designated hitter Robbie Widlansky singled to shallow left field to score two runs and move Teagarden to third base. First baseman Rhyne Hughes followed with a single to center field that plated Teagarden and made the score 5-1. Akron reliever Tyler Sturdevant replaced Wright on the mound to finish the inning.

Markakis gave the Baysox another boost in the bottom of the seventh inning against Sturdevant. Richardson hit a lead off single to center field and Markakis followed with a two-run home run down the right field line to give the Baysox a 7-1 lead.

Gamboa pitched five innings and allowed just one run on 11 hits while striking out five batters in the win. Left-handed reliever Mike Belfiore pitched two scoreless innings and allowed one hit while walking one batter and striking out two. Right-handed reliever Robert Hinton pitched a scoreless eighth inning and struck out one batter while also walking one. Reliever Clay Schrader pitched a scoreless ninth inning and allowed one hit while walking two batters.

Wright earned the loss for Akron, pitching four and two-thirds innings and allowing five runs on four hits while walking seven batters and striking out three.

The Baysox are home through Monday, July 9 for a six game homestand. The activities include a 20th Season Card Set Giveaway Sunday, July 8 starting at 6:05 p.m. and Camp Day Monday, July 9 starting at 11:05 a.m.

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Eastern League Stories from July 7, 2012


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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