Stout pitching and a pair of eighth-inning insurance runs powered the Hartford Yard Goats to a 3-1 series-clinching win over the Bowie Baysox in front of 7,863 Saturday night at Prince George’s Stadium.
Hartford (32-22) jumped on top via a Colton Welker sacrifice fly to break up Zac Lowther’s scoreless streak at 21 2/3 innings. That would be the only run scored upon the lefty in six quality innings, as Lowther struck out eight batters while allowing a pair of hits. Despite the loss, Lowther recorded his fourth quality start in his last five outings and owns a 0.75 ERA in his last six starts.
Bowie (19-35) used the long ball to break up the shutout effort after starter Brandon Gold threw six scoreless frames. Preston Palmeiro sent his second home run of the season to deep right-center field with two outs in the eighth inning against reliever Alexander Guillen to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The homestand and three-game series with the Yard Goats concludes Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m. LHP Alex Wells (2-1, 1.72) takes on RHP Ty Culbreth (3-4, 4.33). Sunday is Heroes Day at the ballpark, when fans have the chance to celebrate all types of heroes (from emergency responders to more costumed types).
The Baysox will wear special police & fire department-themed jerseys during the game, and there will be a jersey auction on the concourse during the game. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
