The Bowie Baysox jumped out to an early lead, but a three-run seventh inning propelled the Erie SeaWolves to a 5-3 win in front of 5,431 at Prince George’s Stadium Friday night.
The Baysox (43-54) took a 1-0 lead after two innings against Erie starter Kyle Dowdy. Aderlin Rodriguez led off the frame with his second double down the left field line in as many games. Three batters later, Martin Cervenka grounded a RBI single through the left side of the infield for his 37th RBI of the season. During the first 13 games this month, the Baysox backstop is hitting .295 with 15 RBI, already the most in any month this season.
Erie (47-50) tied the game on a fifth inning sacrifice fly, but Bowie regained the lead one pitch into the bottom of the frame. Ryan McKenna clubbed his second Double-A home run of the season to left-center field to give the Baysox a 2-1 lead. After his Double-A debut on June 21, McKenna has hit safely in all but seven of the 27 games in a Bowie uniform. A Rodriguez sacrifice fly in the eighth inning capped the night’s offense for the hosts.
The SeaWolves threatened again in the top of the sixth, but the defense held firm for Bowie. After a one-out double, Daz Cameron lined a single to right field. Sergio Alcantara rounded third base, but Yusnial Diaz threw a laser home for his first Eastern League outfield assist. Tonight was the first game in Bowie for Diaz, who came to the Orioles as part of a five-player package in exchange for INF Manny Machado. In addition to his defense, Diaz also recorded his first Baysox hit on the first pitch from Dowdy in the first inning.
Bowie starter Keegan Akin strung together his 10th quality start in the no-decision, allowing one earned run on five hits over six innings. The Alma, Mich., native has allowed three runs or less in 15 of his 18 starts this season, including both matchups with the SeaWolves. RHP Jay Flaa extended his team-best streak without allowing an earned run to 12.2 innings after his scoreless 1.2 innings of relief.
The Baysox look to prevent a series defeat Saturday night at 6:35 p.m., when LHP Luis Ysla is slated to make the start against RHP Beau Burrows. Saturday night is Seinfeld Night at Prince George’s Stadium with actress, comedian and writer Carol Leifer making an appearance and hosting a stand-up comedy show after the game.
