EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

SeaWolves Scuttle Baysox in Extras

Published on May 21, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - For the second time in three days, the Baysox needed extra innings to decide the outcome of a game, but this time Bowie found itself on the losing end as the Erie SeaWolves won 3-2 in 12 innings. The loss drops the Baysox back to .500 at 21-21 and out of first place in the Western Division.

Orioles' left-handed starting pitcher Brian Matusz, who was pitching in Bowie on a Major League rehab appearance, threw six scoreless innings and allowed just three hits in his second start of the season.

"I felt good out there, at times," Matusz said. "I was able to throw strikes and I was working on all my pitches today. At times I feel like I'm just pulling off a little bit and I just have to be able to get my rhythm, get that timing. It was there at times, just a little off, but that's expected, but I was able to battle and go out there and throw strikes and get outs. It was fun coming back here to Bowie, it was great atmosphere, just like always, a lot of fun."

After a strong first inning, the Baysox had their own scoring difficulties as they battled right-handed pitcher Jacob Turner, who is the top-rated prospect in the Detroit Tigers system, according to Baseball America. Despite battling at the plate throughout the game, the Baysox only came away with six hits and two runs.

"That was not a bad game offensively; we probably faced a guy that's going to pitch in the big leagues next year," said Manager Gary Kendall. "The guy had a good arm, good numbers, but I thought our swings were good, we hit some ball hard, and we competed. We had chances to win offensively. Six hits don't say a whole lot throughout the whole game, but there were a lot of hard outs."

The Baysox struck first in the bottom of the first inning. With one out, second baseman Greg Miclat and left fielder Robbie Widlansky hit back to back singles to put runners at first and third. Designated hitter Steve Lerud then knocked in the first run of the game with an RBI double down the left field line that scored Miclat and gave the Baysox a 1-0 lead.

"Any time there's runners on base, obviously hitting in the middle of the order, your job is to drive those guys in so you just look for a pitch to hit - something you can drive and get those guys in," Lerud said.

In the sixth inning the Baysox added an insurance run. With one out, Widlansky ended a string of 11 in a row retired by Turner with a double to center field. Catcher Caleb Joseph then knocked him in with a single that made the score 2-0.

The SeaWolves tied up the game in the top of the seventh inning. With right-handed reliever Tim Bascom on for the Baysox, Bryan Holaday led off with a double and then was knocked in on an RBI single by Audy Ciriaco. The next batter, Justin Henry reached on an infield single and Ciriaco went over to third on a throwing error by first baseman Brandon Waring, who was trying to flip the ball to Bascom at first base. After Bascom recorded a strikeout for the second out of the inning, Jaime Johnson knocked in the game-tying run with a single through the hole at shortstop that made the score 2-2.

In the top of the 12th inning, right-handed reliever Raul Rivero got the leadoff batter to pop out. Then Johnson doubled, Brandon Douglas singled and Rawley Bishop walked to load up the bases for the SeaWolves. With Bryan Pounds batting, Rivero threw a wild pitch that allowed Johnson to score to give the SeaWolves a 3-2 victory.

Bascom pitched two innings in relief of Matusz and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out four. Right-handed closer Jose Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth inning and allowed one hit while striking out two. Rivero came in to pitch in the tenth inning and allowed one run in two and two thirds innings on three hits. Left-handed reliever Pedro Viola retired the last batter in the 12th inning after the winning run had been scored by Erie.

The top of the Baysox order struggled early in the season, but has shown improvement in the past few games. Lead off hitter Xavier Avery and Miclat have gotten on base more consistently and gotten themselves into scoring position for the middle of the line-up, which has capitalized by driving in more runs.

"I'm really happy with the work that Avery has put in," said Hitting Coach Denny Hocking. "I challenged him to do a better job of preparing and he's done that. He's put better at bats together, including his last at bat, which was a ten pitch at bat, though it doesn't work out. In order for this team to be successful and score runs to allow our pitchers to make a mistake, we have to get our top two guys going and I think they are on the right track over the past week and a half."

Sunday, LHP Rick Zagone (1-2, 5.76) takes the mound for the Baysox for the game starting at 2:05 p.m. Pitching for the Erie SeaWolves will be RHP Mark Sorensen (2-2, 4.07).

The Baysox are home for a three game home stand through Sunday, May 22. The Baysox host Swashbuckling Sunday and Meet the Team Day Sunday, May 22. For more information on Baysox promotions and theme nights, visit www.baysox.com.

Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox 19th season as the class Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are now available at www.baysox.com.

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Eastern League Stories from May 21, 2011


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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