With scheduled starter Tim Berry headed to Baltimore the Baysox turned to an effort from their bullpen. They got a strong outing from starter Jason Gurka and three relievers and held off a late rally from Portland in a 6-4 series opening win Friday night.
Gurka was solid, allowing only two unearned runs in 4 and 2/3rd innings against the top hitting team in the league. Relievers Marcel Prado, Steve Hensley and Oliver Drake followed to close the door.
Tied at 2-piece in the fifth inning, the Baysox got to undefeated starter Keith Couch. 1B Christian Walker hit his 16th home run off the year, just to the right of the Maine Monster in left field to take a 3-2 lead. Then with two down, C Michael Ohlman and 2B David Adams each doubled to make it 4-2 Bowie.
On top 6-3 in the eighth inning Portland looked to rally. With the bases loaded and a run in to get within 6-4, the Baysox broght in Hensley. He got 3B Heiker Meneses to fly out to shallow right field and then struck out CF Derrik Gibson to keep the lead.
For a second straight night Drake was summoned for the save and he worked a 1-2-3 ninth. For Drake it was his 12th save of the year.
The Baysox committed five errors in the winning effort. Adams doubled twice for his third consecutive multi-hit game. Prado (4-1) grabbed the win allowing only one-hit in 2 and 2/3rd wild innings of relief.
The series continues at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7th against Portland with LHP Jake Pettit getting the start. Coverage will begin 20-minutes prior on wnav.com.
Bowie returns home for a six-game homestand Tuesday, June 10th at 6:35 p.m. against New Hampshire. Fireworks will follow the June 13th and 14th games against Harrisburg. For tickets contact the Baysox at 301-464-4865 or order online at baysox.com.
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