A three-run first inning powered the Akron RubberDucks to a 6-2 victory in the series opener against the Bowie Baysox in front of 1,883 at Prince George’s Stadium Tuesday night.
Wilson Garcia’s two-run home run to right field and Tyler Krieger’s RBI single gave the visiting RubberDucks (25-25) a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but Baysox RHP Dean Kremer settled down and retired all but three batters over the next three innings. A Connor Marabell solo home run in the fifth inning expanded the lead to 4-0, representing the only Duck batter to score after the first inning. The duo of Francisco Jimenez and Zach Muckenhirn combined to allow two unearned runs in the final 3 1/3 innings.
The Baysox (19-31) stopped RHP Aaron Civale’s no-hit bid and broke up the shutout in the sixth inning. A Preston Palmeiro walk and a Chris Clare single set the table for Ryan McKenna, who grounded a one-out single up the middle to plate both runs and halve the deficit to 4-2 for his 14th and 15th RBI of the season.
Bowie and Akron continue their three-game midweek series Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. All members of the military, both current and retired, can receive a half-price box seat by showing proof of service at the stadium box office. LHP Bruce Zimmermann (1-1, 2.25) takes the mound for the Baysox against Akron LHP Tanner Tully (3-4, 3.24). Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to first pitch on wnav.com, baysox.com and via the Tune-In App by searching ‘Baysox’.
