EL1 Chesapeake Baysox

Sox Offense Sputters against Squirrels

Published on May 22, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Chesapeake Baysox News Release


Bowie, Md. - The Baysox (18-26) offense never got going Tuesday evening as they fell to the Richmond Flying Squirrels (21-24) 3-1.

The team managed just six hits and struck out nine times against the ace of the Richmond rotation Chris Heston. Heston pitched eight innings and allowed one unearned run on six hits while striking out nine batters in the win.

"I wasn't disappointed early in the game - I thought we had some good swings, we had a few opportunities with runners in scoring position, but as that game got deeper I was disappointed in our intensity," said Manager Gary Kendall. "There were a lot of first pitch outs and when you get late in the game, the pitcher is starting to feel it in his legs and we made his job a little easier by giving at bats away."

Richmond jumped out to another early lead in the top of the first inning against Baysox right-handed starting pitcher Oliver Drake. Gary Brown started the game by reaching on a fielding error by shortstop Manny Machado before scoring on a double to left field by Ryan Cavan. Cavan advanced to third base after a groundout by Chris Dominguez and he scored on a groundout by Juan Perez that made the score 2-0.

The Baysox got one run back in the bottom of the second inning against Heston. Machado hit a one out single to third base and moved to third base when Zelous Wheeler struck out but reached on a passed ball that extended the inning. The next batter, left fielder Kipp Schutz, singled to center field to score Machado and make the score 2-1.

The Flying Squirrels extended their lead with another run in the top of the fourth inning. Ehire Adrianza hit a two out single to center field and then stole second base before scoring on a single to center field by Joel Weeks that made the score 3-1.

Drake pitched six innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out six batters and walking one in the loss.

"Health-wise I felt good," Drake said. "I was able to throw my pitches for strikes, but I got over the middle of the plate a couple times too many and they were able to get some hits and score a couple runs. But I was able to battle back from most of those and I started working the corners and keeping the hitters off balance."

Left-handed reliever Michael Belfiore made his Baysox debut Tuesday night after joining the team as part of the trade that sent Josh Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched two innings and allowed one hit while striking out four batters and walking one. Right-handed reliever Pat Egan pitched a perfect ninth inning for the Baysox, striking out two batters.

RHP Zach Clark (3-3, 3.55) takes the mound for the Baysox tomorrow as they play the third game in a four game home series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. He will be opposed by LHP Mike Kickham (2-4, 4.04).

The Baysox are home through Monday, May 28 for an eight game home stand. Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will be with the Baysox beginning Wednesday, May 23 for a Major League Rehab Appearance. Thursday, May 24 is Mane-ly May and Jake Arrieta Bobblehead giveaway night during the game starting at 7:05 p.m.

Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox 20th season is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are now available at www.baysox.com, or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.

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Eastern League Stories from May 22, 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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