March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 49 F

Clark Clips Squirrels

Right-handed pitcher Zach Clark threw five shutout innings and the Baysox bats finally woke up with a season-high 10 hits as Bowie topped Richmond 4-1 on Wednesday afternoon. With the victory the Baysox record improves to 2-4 on the season.

Clark was spot starting in place of Pasadena native Chorye Spoone, who was called up to Triple-A Norfolk. Clark held the Squirrels to four hits and struck out two while walking one batter. He received some help from his defense early in the game to keep Richmond from scoring and after the first few innings, Richmond struggled to find scoring opportunities.

The Flying Squirrels managed only five hits in the game and the only hit surrendered by the Baysox bullpen in four innings of relief was a solo home run in the eighth inning. The Baysox staff continued to show improved control at the plate as they walked only one batter all day while striking out four.

After being retired in order in the second and third innings, the Baysox started making some noise with two outs in the fourth inning when designated hitter Robbie Widlansky reached first base after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second when right fielder Ronnie Welty drew a walk. Catcher Caleb Joseph hit an RBI single to left field, plating Widlansky and moving Welty to third. Shortstop Pedro Florimon would end the inning with a ground out after the Baysox grabbed a 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless fifth, the Baysox got back on the board in the top of the sixth inning thanks to a two-out solo home run by Welty. It was the second game in a row that Welty hit a home run and the third game in a row that the Baysox hit a home run after a three game drought to open the season.

Right-handed pitcher Raul Rivero replaced Clark in the sixth inning and retired three straight batters on seven pitches in his first inning of work. However, Rivero ran into some trouble in the seventh inning when he allowed a one-out home run to Joe Koshansky that cut the Baysox lead to one run at 2-1. After the home run, Rivero retired the final two batters in order.

The Baysox added to their lead in the top of the ninth inning thanks to some mistakes by the Flying Squrrels and pitcher Dan Otero. Welty started the inning by taking first after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second on sacrifice bunt by Joseph. Florimon struck out swinging, but a passed ball on the third strike allowed Florimon to reach first and also moved Welty to third. First baseman Billy Rowell hit an RBI single to left field t0 score Welty and advance Florimon to third. The Baysox were not done scoring runs as second baseman Carlos Rojas then hit a double to right field that would score Florimon and move Rowell to third before Otero could retire the next two batters to end the inning with the Baysox leading 4-1.

Rivero threw three solid innings in relief of Clark allowing one run on one hit and striking out one. Right-handed reliever Jose Diaz got the save, his second of the season, after he pitched a perfect ninth inning to close out the Baysox victory.

The Baysox had four players with multiple hits in the game including Joseph and Rojas. Joseph, who had been struggling from the plate, also recorded his first RBI of the season. For Rojas, his two hits were his first two of the season in the third game that he has made an appearance. Primarily a second baseman, Rojas had played his previous two games at shortstop and third base.

After struggling with errors the past few games, the Baysox defense did not commit a single error in the series finale at Richmond. They lost the series by dropping the first two games, but avoided the sweep as they return to Bowie for the home opener Thursday.

The Baysox open their first home stand at Prince George’s Stadium Thursday, April 14, at 7:05 p.m. Friday, April 15, is Outdoorsman Night at the stadium, and Saturday is Betty White Tribute Night with postgame fireworks.

Baysox Baseball – We’ll Knock Your Sox Off. The Baysox 19th season as the class Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles is underway. They play their first game at Prince George’s Stadium Thursday, April 14, at 7:05 p.m. Parking is free at every Baysox home game and tickets are now available at www.baysox.com.

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