EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Marsters Defense and Offense Put Baysox On Top in 12

Published on June 25, 2005 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, MD - Brandon Marsters took a beating from the Fisher Cats on Saturday, but in the end it was the Baysox catcher that knocked out New Hampshire.

After tagging out two runners at the plate in the top of the twelfth, Marsters delivered a game-winning sacrifice fly in the bottom of the inning to give the Baysox a dramatic 1-0 victory.

The Baysox (37-38) have won three straight games and sit just one game under .500.

Marsters' heroics began with one out in the top of the twelfth. With Ron Acuna at second, Eric Kratz lined hard up the middle off Nick McCurdy. Centerfielder Woody Cliffords' throw was right on target, and Marsters tagged out Acuna after blocking the left side of the plate.

Kratz moved up to second on the throw, and he would later attempt to score on Raul Tablado's single to right. Eugene Kingsale's throw hugged the first base line and beat Kratz home by about 20 feet. Marsters caught the ball, crouched over the plate, and readied for impact. Kratz collided with Marsters, but the 30-year-old backstop got the better of the fight, flipping Kratz over his back while holding onto the ball for the out.

After saving the game twice in the span of two minutes, Marsters went on to win it shortly thereafter. Brandon Fahey started the bottom of the twelfth by grounding out, but Mike Huggins followed with a liner to right off Bubbie Buzachero. Rightfielder Maikel Jova misplayed the ball, and Huggins went to second on the error. Peter Bergeron came in to pinch hit for Kingsale, and Fisher Cats manager Mike Basso called for an intentional walk. But Buzachero's second ball sailed over the head of the catcher Kratz, and Huggins eased into third.

Two balls later, Bergeron took first and closer Lee Gronkiewicz came in to replace Buzachero (3-2). The first batter he faced was Marsters, who flew out deep to center. Huggins trotted home with the lone run of the game, as the 8,611 in attendance broke out in celebration.

The thrilling ending somewhat overshadowed a tight pitcher's duel in which neither team had many scoring opportunities. James Johnson, who joined the team from Class A Frederick earlier today, excelled in his Baysox debut. The right-hander pitched seven innings of three-hit ball, striking out six while walking just two batters.

But New Hampshire's Ismael Ramirez matched Johnson pitch for pitch. Ramirez retired the first 13 batters of the game, and lost the perfect game on a swinging bunt hint by Joey Hammond with one out in the fifth.

McCurdy (1-3) bounced back from a poor outing on Sunday to pick up his first win of the year by shutting out the Fisher Cats over the final three innings.

BAYSOX NOTES: LF Simon Pond extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an eleventh-inning single...Prince George's Stadium has seen seven extra-inning contests in 35 games so far this season. Last year, the Baysox had just five extra-inning games at home and eight overall...Bowie's bullpen continued its mastery of the Fisher Cats with five scoreless innings tonight. Baysox relievers are 3-0 against New Hampshire and have given up just one run in 19.1 innings for a sensational 0.47 ERA.

ON DECK: The Baysox will go for the sweep on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Orioles RHP Jason Grimsley will begin his rehab stint with the Baysox by starting tomorrow's game before giving way to LHP Richard Stahl (0-2, 4.37). RHP Jamie Vermilyea (1-2, 2.55) will take the mound for New Hampshire. Sunday will also be the Baysox' second Meet the Team Night of the year, with gates opening early at 4:30 p.m.

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Eastern League Stories from June 25, 2005


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