Right-handed starting pitcher Zach Clark pitched six strong innings for the Baysox as they battled past the Erie SeaWolves 5-2 at home Thursday evening to start a seven-game home stand.
Right-handed starting pitcher Zach Clark pitched six strong innings for the Baysox as they battled past the Erie SeaWolves 5-2 at home Thursday evening to start a seven-game home stand.
“We have been working on some mechanical stuff and it clicked tonight,” Clark said. “I missed up a couple times, but I felt good for the most part.”
The first three hits of the game were solo home runs with the first coming from Erie in the top of the first inning to give them the early lead but with the next two coming from the Baysox in the bottom of the third inning to give them a lead they never relinquished. Bowie entered the game second in the Eastern League in home runs with 16, trailing just Trenton who had hit 18.
Erie struck first in the bottom of the second inning against Clark. Jordan Lennerton hit a lead off home run to left-center field that gave the SeaWolves a 1-0 lead.
Bowie struck right back in the bottom of the third inning against Erie starter Jared Wesson. Second baseman Jonathan Schoop hit a solo home run to left-center field to start the inning. Catcher Allan de San Miguel followed with a one-out home run to left center field that made the score 2-1.
Erie tied the game again in the top of the fifth inning. Michael Rockett hit a one out single to right field and Brent Wyatt followed with a single to right field that moved Rockett to third base. Niuman Romero grounded out, but Rockett scored before Wyatt was caught in a rundown between first and second base to end the inning with the score 2-2.
The Baysox took the lead right back in the bottom of the fifth inning. Right fielder Robbie Widlansky drew a lead off walk and left fielder Antoan Richardson also walked with one out. Center fielder LJ Hoes singled to left field to load the bases and shortstop Manny Machado was out on a sacrifice fly to center field that plated Widlansky and made the score 3-2.
Bowie extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Schoop drew a one out walk and scored on a double to right field by Widlansky. Michael Morrison then replaced Wesson on the mound and was able to retire the final two batters to end the inning with the score 4-2.
The Baysox added one more run in the bottom of the seventh inning. First baseman Brandon Waring hit a one out single to left field and designated hitter Tyler Townsend doubled to left field and moved Waring to third base. Third baseman Zelous Wheeler was hit by a pitch to load the bases and with Schoop batting, Waring scored on a wild pitch. Tyler Stohr replaced Morrison on the mound and after walking Schoop to load the bases, he induced a double play to get out of the inning with the score 5-2.
Clark pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three batters. Right-handed reliever Stu Pomeranz pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Clark and struck out five batters while only allowing two hits to record his first save of the season.
“[Clark] had a little more giddy-up on his pitches tonight and he kept the ball down – he made some big pitches down in the zone with his fastball,” said Manager Gary Kendall. “He did a nice job controlling the running game. He gave us six good innings and Pomeranz was equally as tough behind him.”
Kendall was also pleased with the plate discipline from his team tonight, as they drew seven walks in addition to their eight hits during the game. “We are getting some hits spread throughout the line-up from top to bottom,” Kendall said. “I liked the fact that we are getting some key walks; we had a bunch tonight so we are not chasing balls out of the strikezone.”
The second game in the four game home series against Erie is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Friday. RHP Tim Bascom (2-0, 3.50) will be on the hill taking on the SeaWolves’ LHP Kelvin De La Cruz (0-1, 5.40).
The Baysox are home for a seven-game home stand that lasts through Wednesday, April 25. Washington Mystics players will be attendance for the game Thursday, April 20 at 7:05 p.m. and former Washington Bullets Michael Adams will be signing autographs Saturday, April 21 during the game at 6:35 p.m. Come to the game early on Sunday, April 22 and play catch on the field before the 2:05 p.m. game.
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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