March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

Baysox Drop Fourth Game

Richmond Flying Squirrels

Baysox shortstop Manny Machado hit his second home run of the season, but the team was unable to complete their comeback bid as they fell 5-4 to the Richmond Flying Squirrels Monday evening.

Trailing 5-1 in the seventh inning, Machado brought the Baysox to within a run with one swing of the bat as he launched a three-run home run over the left-center field wall. The Baysox threatened to tie or take the lead in the ninth inning, but were unable to get one final hit with runners on first and second base.

“I was just trying to hit the ball hard somewhere. With runners in scoring position I am just trying to put the ball in play – try to hit a gap shot and score two runs,” Machado said. “I was just trying to hit the ball hard and fortunately it went out so better for us.”

Richmond continued the trend of scoring in the first inning against right-handed starting pitcher Zach Clark, this time using a two-out rally to inflict the damage. Tommy Joseph drew a walk and moved to second base on a single to right field by Wes Hodges. Chris Dominguez followed with a single to center field that plated Joseph and made the score 1-0.

The Baysox tied the score in the bottom of the third inning against Richmond starter Mike Kickham. Designated hitter Brandon Waring drew a lead off walk and advanced to third base on a sacrifice bunt by left fielder Travis Adair. Adair was safe at second on the play after a throwing error by Kickham. Center fielder LJ Hoes drove Waring in with a ground out to shortstop that tied the score at 1-1. Despite having runners on second and third with no outs, the Baysox were only about to come away with one run in the inning.

The Flying Squirrels took the lead right back in the top of the fourth inning. Dominguez started the inning by hitting a home run to left field. Juan Perez followed with a single to center field and he got all the way to third base after a stolen base and throwing error by catcher Caleb Joseph. Johnny Monell plated Perez with a sacrifice fly to center field that made the score 3-1.

Richmond extended their lead in the top of the sixth inning with another two out rally. Dominguez continued to give Clark trouble as he hit a one out double to right field. Perez followed with a ground out to the pitcher that moved Dominguez to third base where he scored on a single to right field by Monell. Ryan Cavan was able to battle through an eight-pitch at-bat to single to right field and score Monell to increase the lead to 5-1. Right-handed reliever Stu Pomeranz entered the game to retire the final batter of the inning.

The Baysox closed the gap in the bottom of the seventh inning against Richmond reliever Jake Dunning. Adair hit a one out single to center field and Hoes drew a walk to put two runners on base. Edwin Quirarte replaced Dunning on the mound and Machado then hit a three-run home run to left-center field to bring the score back to 5-4.

Clark pitched five and two-thirds innings and allowed five runs on 11 hits while striking out two batters in the loss. Pomeranz pitched two and one-third scoreless innings in relief of Clark, allowing just one hit while striking out five batters while keeping the Baysox within striking distance. Right-handed reliever Eddie Gamboa pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the Baysox, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Manager Gary Kendall was pleased with the way his team battled back offensively late in the game despite still falling short. “We need to execute a little better in all facets of the game and tonight I thought it was a little bit of everything but there were some good things out there,” Kendall said. “I thought our competitiveness offensively was a little bit better.”

The Baysox first homestand of the year ends Wednesday, April 11. Before that day comes, the team has several fun activities planned including Tailgate Tuesday April 10 and a day game starting at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 11.

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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