Akron scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of the ninth to break a 2-2 tie on the way to a 4-2 win over the Baysox Monday evening. It was the third consecutive night where the Baysox have fallen behind in the eighth inning or later.
Facing Akron, who is second in the league in stolen bases, catcher Caleb Joseph had a strong night behind the plate, preventing the Aeros from gaining free bases. He threw out three of four attempted base-stealers during the game.
“Caleb Joseph really played a nice ballgame back there today,” said Manager Gary Kendall. “He blocked, he threw well – it was the best I have seen him in his time as a pro. He threw the baseball to second base accurately and he did a really nice job.”
The Baysox jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning against Akron starter Will Roberts. Center fielder Kyle Hudson hit a lead off single to center field, stole second base and scored on a double to left field by Trayvon Robinson to give Bowie a 1-0 lead.
Akron came right back to tie the game in the top of the second inning against Baysox starter Devin Jones. Carlos Moncrief hit a lead off double to right field and Tyler Holt followed with a walk. Jake Lowery then plated Moncrief with a single to right field to tie the game 1-1.
The Aeros took the lead in the top of the third inning. Francisco Lindor drew a lead off walk and moved to second base on a Ronny Rodriguez groundout. Cedric Hunter advanced Lindor to third base on a single to center field where he scored on a Jesus Aguilar double to center field to make the score 2-1.
Bowie tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Shortstop Niuman Romero hit a lead off single to left field and moved to second base on a Joseph infield single. Romero moved to third base on a groundout by designated hitter Christian Walker and scored on a sacrifice fly from first baseman Seth Loman to make the score 2-2.
The Aeros broke the tie in the top of the ninth inning against left-handed reliever Andy Loomis. With two outs, Lawson reached on a fielding error by third baseman Brandon Waring and scored on a Lindor double to left field. Lindor moved to third base on the throw home and scored on a balk to give Akron the late 4-2 lead.
Jones pitched four innings and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out one and walking three in the no decision. Tim Bascom pitched four scoreless innings in relief of Jones, allowing three hits while striking out five and walking two. Loomis took the loss, pitching the ninth inning and allowing two unearned runs on one hit.
Austin Adams earned the win for Akron, pitching a scoreless eighth inning and striking out one batter. Trey Haley picked up his fifth save of the season in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (0-2, 5.06) takes the mound for the Baysox tomorrow as the team plays the second game in a three game series with the Akron Aeros. He will be opposed by RHP Paolo Espino (2-3, 5.87)
The Baysox are home through Wednesday, July 24 for a three game homestand. Highlights include Tailgate Tuesday July 23 beginning at 7:05 and a day game beginning at 11:05 a.m. July 24.
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.
