Reading Wins on Walk-Off in Series Opener
August 17, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release
In the series opener at FirstEnergy Stadium, the Reading Fightin Phils (35-56) beat the Bowie Baysox (53-36) for the first time in 2021, winning 3-2 on a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth.
Reading jumped ahead early, plating a run in the bottom of the third, but Bowie answered in the top of the fourth. Toby Welk, who played his collegiate baseball just a few miles away from Reading's stadium at Penn State Berks, doubled in Johnny Rizer to tie the game at one.
The Fightin Phils took the lead back in the bottom of the seventh, and Bowie responded again. In the top of the eighth, Jordan Westburg scored his first Double-A run when Zach Watson grounded into a fielder's choice. Westburg finished 0-3 with a walk and one run scored in his Double-A debut. Andrew Daschbach, also making his debut for Bowie, finished 0-2 with a walk and a hit by pitch.
Grayson Rodriguez put together his fourth high-quality start in a row, throwing five innings and allowing just one run on two hits with a walk and six strikeouts. In his last four starts, he has thrown 14.2 innings and allowed just one earned run on six hits, with two walks and 23 strikeouts.
Ryan Conroy entered in relief and allowed the final two runs of the game. Reading's first three batters of the bottom of the ninth all singled, with Bryson Stott scoring from second on Josh Stephen's single to end the game.
In game two of the series, Drew Rom (2-0, 4.20 ERA) will make his fourth start for the Baysox, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. in Reading.
The Baysox 2021 season is presented by Money One Federal Credit Union. The Baysox return home on August 24th for 12 straight games at Prince George's Stadium. For tickets, promotional event information and game times, call 301-464-4865.
Eastern League Stories from August 17, 2021
- Senators Come Back to Beat Ducks, 4-3 - Akron RubberDucks
- Senators' Rally Beats Rain, Akron - Harrisburg Senators
- Yard Goats Drop Homestand Opener - Hartford Yard Goats
- Fisher Cats Smash 14 Hits, Strike out 14 Batters in 12-0 Victory over Hartford - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Flying Squirrels Fall in Extras to SeaWolves in Series Opener - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Patriots Cruise Past Curve in Series Opener - Somerset Patriots
- Rosa Leads Erie to Series Opening Win - Erie SeaWolves
- Reading Wins on Walk-Off in Series Opener - Chesapeake Baysox
- Stephen Walks It off for R-Phils - Reading Fightin Phils
- Murphy Tosses Gem in 11-0 Sea Dogs Victory - Portland Sea Dogs
- 2022 Season Tickets on Sale Now at Peoples Natural Gas Field - Altoona Curve
- Game Information - Erie SeaWolves at Richmond Flying Squirrels - Erie SeaWolves
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.
