March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 45 F

Too Hits Too Much For Phillies

Center fielder Xavier Avery recorded the Baysox only two hits of the game and drove in the Baysox only run of the game, but did enough to lift Bowie past Reading 1-0 Thursday night. With the win, the Baysox move to 43-41 on the season.

Right-handed starting pitcher Tim Bascom had his best start of the season as he threw seven scoreless innings and allowed just three hits while striking out three.

“I am really just concentrating on throwing strikes, getting ahead early in the count and then putting guys away when out in front,” Bascom said. “I’ve been going to breaking balls early and getting at them with that and that’s really been the key factor in getting deep into ball games.”

The Baysox offense tied their season-low with two hits, but were aided by a Reading error and a balk to score the sole unearned run of the game. Beyond the third inning, the game was a pitching duel that allowed for very little offense and each hit was difficult to come by.

“That’s how we won games early in the season and its funny because we haven’t played too many of those games recently,” said Manager Gary Kendall. “We’ve won 5-4 games, but never like 1-0. Every out is pivotal and it comes right down to the wire. We didn’t do a whole lot offensively versus their starter.”

The Baysox scored the one and only run of the game in the bottom of the third inning against Phillies starter JC Ramirez.  Right fielder Ronnie Welty led off the inning by reaching base on a throwing error by third baseman Carlos Rivero and went to second base on a balk by Ramirez.  After left fielder Kyle Hudson moved Welty to third base on a ground out, Avery knocked him in with a single to right field to give the Baysox a 1-0 lead.

“He [Ramirez] did a good job tonight, but I just happened to find a hole,” said Avery, who is an Eastern League All-Star. “Kyle Hudson did a great job moving the runner over so that I could get the RBI. In a game like this, it’s really important to get those hits when you have a chance.”

The Baysox bullpen came up big in protecting the one run lead. Right-handed reliever Wynn Pelzer threw a perfect eighth inning and right-handed reliever Brandon Cooney recorded his second save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

“Each pitcher rose to the challenge – Bascom was unbelievable, Pelzer threw a clean inning and it was a much-needed outing out of Cooney,” Kendall said. “Hopefully that’s a trend. It’s nice to get a little over .500 and hopefully go to Altoona and play a little better baseball.”

Ramirez threw an eight-inning complete game for the Phillies while allowing just one unearned run on two hits, but still took the loss as Reading failed to score a run to support him.

For the Baysox, the win was their fifth shutout victory of the season and their first since beating New Britain at home June 4.

In addition to his two hits, Avery also stole two bases Thursday evening, giving him 25 on the season. It was the fourth time he stole multiple bases in a game, but the first time since April 21.

“The pitcher had a little buckle in his move that he used to try to get us off-balance, but he was slow to the plate so I had to take advantage of it,” Avery explained.

Friday, LHP Rick Zagone (2-6, 4.63) takes the mound for the Baysox as they travel to Altoona to take on the Curve. His opponent will be RHP Kyle McPherson (2-2, 3.04).

The Baysox begin a four-game road trip to Altoona, Pa., Friday, July 8 before the All-Star break Tuesday, July 12. Bowie is back home Thursday, July 14 for a four game home stand against the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

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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