BOWIE, MD — In a challenging Wednesday afternoon game at Prince George’s Stadium, the Bowie Baysox, the Baltimore Orioles’ Double-A affiliate, were overpowered by the Akron RubberDucks, ending with a score of 9-2 in favor of the visitors.
The game highlighted the second appearance of Austin Hays in his rehab assignment, where he continued to impress by hitting a home run. Despite his efforts, Bowie struggled offensively, managing only one run on four hits over six innings against Akron’s starting pitcher, Aaron Davenport. Davenport, who now boasts a 3-0 win-loss record, exhibited control and precision, striking out six and conceding only one walk.
The RubberDucks seized control early in the game, scoring six runs within the first three innings. The initial momentum was set by Kody Huff with a groundout RBI, followed by Christian Cairo and Aaron Bracho, who collectively drove in three more runs, pushing the score to 4-0 by the end of the second inning. The onslaught continued with Connor Kokx contributing a two-run double in the third.
Bowie’s starting pitcher, Ryan Long, faced a tough outing, lasting only 1.2 innings and surrendering four runs on six hits. This marked his shortest and most challenging start of the season.
The Baysox’s offense briefly sparked in the third inning when Anthony Servideo hit an RBI single, continuing his streak of driving in runs over four consecutive games. Unfortunately for Bowie, their opponents did not relent, adding runs in the fifth and eighth innings through strategic plays and a sacrifice fly by Bracho.
Relievers Cameron Weston and Trey McGough took over for Bowie, combining for seven strikeouts over five innings, but the RubberDucks’ lead proved insurmountable.
Highlighting the game for Bowie was Hays, a 2023 AL All-Star, who launched a 107 mph solo home run in the eighth inning, marking back-to-back games with a homer. Hays, a former Baysox outfielder, is currently on a rehab assignment recovering from a strained left calf sustained in April.
Looking ahead, the Baysox will continue their six-game series against the RubberDucks with a game scheduled for Thursday night at 6:35 PM. The pitching matchup will feature RHP Trace Bright (0-3, 3.47 ERA) for Bowie against Akron’s LHP Ryan Webb (1-1, 3.33 ERA).
