BOWIE, M.D. — The Bowie Baysox delivered a commanding performance against the Altoona Curve at Prince George’s Stadium on Wednesday, clinching their first shutout win of the season with a 5-0 victory.
The game, marked by a trio of home runs from the Baysox, saw the team’s Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles boost their season record to 6-5. Bowie’s offensive power was on full display in the second inning when TT Bowens, the team’s first baseman, launched his third home run of the season. This hit, delivered off Altoona’s starting right-hander Chris Gau, established an early 2-0 lead. Bowens, demonstrating a consistent batting prowess, has now homered in three consecutive games, leading the Eastern League with 14 RBIs.
Continuing the momentum, Frederick Bencosme added to the score in the fourth inning. Bencosme, the Orioles’ No. 27 prospect, hit his second homer of the season and his first at the home stadium, pushing the lead to 3-0. He was notably a triple shy of completing the cycle, showcasing his batting skills in what turned out to be his second three-hit game at the Double-A level.
On the mound, right-hander Seth Johnson started for Bowie, pitching four shutout innings in his home debut. Johnson, who threw 63 pitches, managed to keep Altoona scoreless while allowing four hits and issuing two walks, alongside three strikeouts. Following Johnson, right-hander Keagan Gillies held Altoona at bay in the fifth, paving the way for Carlos Tavera’s standout performance. Tavera, securing the win with a record of 1-0, pitched four perfect innings and struck seven batters out, further solidifying Bowie’s defensive stronghold.
The scoring concluded in the sixth inning with Billy Cook’s two-run homer, his first of the season, which elevated Bowie’s lead to the final score of 5-0. Cook, ranked as the Orioles No. 30 prospect, had previously hit 24 homers last season, ranking third in the league.
The Baysox are set to continue their six-game series against the Altoona Curve with a game scheduled for 6:35 p.m. the following night. Alex Pham is slated to start for Bowie against Altoona’s Bubba Chandler in what promises to be a closely contested matchup.
