EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Snyder Streaks Past Curve

Published on May 19, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


BOWIE, Md. - Brandon Snyder provided the only offense of the game, a two-run homer in the fourth inning as the Baysox shut out Altoona 2-0. Troy Patton threw five shutout innings, handing it over to the bullpen which did not allow a hit over the final four innings to give the Baysox their fourth straight win. Their sixth shutout of the season brings the Baysox back to the .500 mark at 18-18, and have now won seven of their last nine.

Patton looked sharp, but Altoona stayed tough and worked the count to make the left-hander throw 95 pitches over his five innings of work. Of the 21 hitters he faced, six of them worked three ball counts including at-bats in which he threw ten or more pitches. Patton gave credit to the Altoona hitters, who continued to hang tough despite his best effort.

"I was throwing the whole kitchen sink at them and they would foul it off or take it the other way," Patton said. "You tip your hat but luckily they didn't get any runs so I feel pretty good about it."

The win was Patton's fourth of the season, tying him for the team lead with Jake Arrieta and Bobby Livingston. Patton also lowered his ERA to 1.14 on the season, almost a half run better than any other pitcher in the Eastern League. It was the fourth time in seven starts he has left the game without giving up a run, and has held opponents to two earned runs or less in all of his starts this season.

"I think the command of his fastball was as good as it's been all season," said Pitching Coach Larry McCall. "He threw a lot of strikes but they just fouled a lot of pitches off and got his pitch count up."

Snyder provided the pop as he homered for the third time in his last five games. He has driven in at least one run in each of his last five games, and extended his hitting streak to a team high eight games. The Baysox first baseman is now leading the Eastern League in batting average, slugging percentage and RBI. He has hit safely in all but five games this season, providing a consistent presence in the middle of the Baysox order.

"Earlier in my career I would dwell on bad games," said Snyder of his consistency at the plate this season. "Now I'm not really worrying about anything, just going up there and playing."

Baysox reliever Fredy Deza came on for Patton in the sixth, allowing one walk and striking out one while holding the Curve hitless through 2.0 innings of work. Left-hander Wilfrido Perez worked the final two innings for his seventh save of the season. After allowing his first earned runs of the season in his last outing against Erie, Perez came back strong as he pounded the strike zone with all three of his pitches.

"He was very good we've been trying to get him to locate his fastball," McCall said of Perez. "He did that tonight which set up his other pitches well and it's probably the best he's thrown this year."

Perez has been a stalwart for the Baysox bullpen all season, allowing two earned runs in 15 appearances on the season. He has held hitters to a .138 average, while striking out 22 in 17.1 innings of work. The southpaw has taken well to his role as the team's closer, a position which he admitted will prepare him better as he looks to make a case for a spot in the Orioles bullpen in the not to distant future.

"That's my job, to go out there and get guys out," said Perez through interpreter Danny Figueroa. "I just need to keep working hard and keep doing my job."

The Baysox look to make it five straight as they take on Altoona tomorrow night. RHP Sean Gleason (1-3, 7.40 ERA) takes the hill for the Baysox against Altoona LHP Kyle Bloom (0-1, 5.40 ERA). Fans are encouraged to get to the ballpark early to watch the U.S. Army's Golden Knight Parachute Team descend into Prince George's Stadium to deliver Wednesday night's game ball. Game time is set for 7:05.

The Baysox 17th season as the class AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway! 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 May 19, 2009


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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