The Baysox (40-39) won a tight 3-2 ballgame over the Akron Aeros (39-44) Monday night behind five shutout innings from the bullpen to finish off the game. With the win, the Baysox move above .500 for the first time since May 24.
Tim Bascom, Zech Zinicola and Marcel Prado combined to throw five shutout innings, allowing just three hits to close out the game for the Baysox after starter Mike Wright made it four innings, throwing 92 pitches.
“I take my hat off to our bullpen,” said Manager Gary Kendall. “Bascom did a really nice job and Zinicola got a big groundout [with two outs and the bases loaded]. The guys really responded out of the bullpen and we hit just enough.”
Akron used a two out rally to take an early lead in the top of the first inning against Baysox starter Mike Wright. Carlos Moncrief drew a two out walk and scored on a Jesus Aguilar double to left field that gave the Aeros a 1-0 lead.
The Baysox tied the game in the bottom of the second inning against Akron starter Will Roberts. Third baseman Garabez Rosa hit a one out single to center field and moved to third base on a single to center field by second baseman Josh Horton. Left fielder Kyle Hudson brought Rosa home with a sacrifice fly to tie the game 1-1.
The Aeros retook the lead 2-1 in the top of the fourth inning. Giovanny Urshela hit a one out single to center field and moved to second base on a wild pitch before scoring on a Quincy Latimore single to left field and error in the outfield by Hudson.
Bowie battled back to take their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Center fielder Trayvon Robinson drew a lead off walk and shortstop Niuman Romero followed with a single to left field. Catcher Caleb Joseph advanced both runners with a groundout and first baseman Seth Loman brought them home with a double to left field that gave the Baysox a 3-2 lead.
Wright pitched four innings and allowed two runs on five hits while striking out three and walking one in the no decision. Bascom pitched two and two-thirds scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out two and walking two in the win. Zinicola pitched one and one-third scoreless innings, allowing one hit while striking out of one. Prado pitched a perfect ninth inning and struck out two batters for his seventh save of the season.
Roberts took the loss for Akron, pitching six innings and allowing three runs on nine hits while striking out four and walking two.
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez takes the mound for the Baysox tomorrow as the team plays the second game in a three game home series with the Akron Aeros. He will be opposed by RHP Toru Murata (3-3, 2.89).
The Baysox are home through Wednesday, July 3 for a seven game homestand against the Harrisburg Senators and Akron Aeros. Highlights include a baby shower for North West, daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Tuesday, July 2 at 7:05 p.m. and the Red, White & Boom Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 3 beginning at 6:35 p.m.
Baysox Baseball – We’ll Knock Your ‘Sox Off. The Baysox 2013 season and 20th season of baseball at Prince George’s Stadium is underway. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are available at www.baysox.com, or by calling the Baysox box office at (301) 464-4865.
