In a thrilling 12-inning game on Thursday night, the Bowie Baysox fell short against the Altoona Curve, losing 8-7 at Prince George’s Stadium. The game saw multiple lead changes and dramatic moments before Altoona secured the victory.
Key Highlights
The Baysox took an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a double by Coby Mayo that brought in John Rhodes and Jackson Holliday. Altoona quickly responded in the top of the second inning with a solo home run by Matt Gorski, making it a 2-1 game.
The Curve tied the game in the fourth inning when Henry Davis singled to center field, allowing Liover Peguero to score. The game remained tied until the bottom of the sixth inning when Heston Kjerstad’s two-run homer gave the Baysox a 4-2 lead.
Altoona’s resilience was on display as they battled back in the eighth inning. Gorski hit another homer, this time a two-run shot, to tie the game at 4-4. The Baysox regained the lead in the bottom of the inning when Billy Cook’s sacrifice fly scored Greg Cullen, making it 5-4.
Extra Innings Drama
The game entered extra innings tied at 5-5. Both teams had opportunities but couldn’t capitalize until the 11th inning. In the top half, Peguero’s single scored Davis, giving the Curve a 6-5 lead. Bowie answered back in the bottom of the inning with a sacrifice fly by Anthony Servideo that brought in Kjerstad, tying the game again at 6-6.
The decisive 12th inning saw Altoona score two runs on a double by Gorski, who finished the night with four RBIs. Bowie managed to score one run in the bottom of the 12th, but it wasn’t enough as the Curve held on for an 8-7 victory.
Pitching Performances
Baysox starter Chayce McDermott delivered a solid performance, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven. For the Curve, starter Jared Jones also pitched five innings, giving up two runs on six hits with five strikeouts.
Bowie’s bullpen struggled to contain the Curve’s offense in the late innings, with Jensen Elliott taking the loss after giving up the decisive runs in the 12th. Altoona’s reliever Tahnaj Thomas earned the win, pitching the final two innings and allowing just one run.
Manager’s Comments
Baysox manager Buck Britton expressed his thoughts after the game, acknowledging the team’s effort but lamenting the missed opportunities. “We had our chances, but we couldn’t get the big hit when we needed it. It was a hard-fought game, and you have to give credit to Altoona for battling back,” Britton said.
Looking Ahead
The Baysox will look to bounce back as they continue their series against the Curve. With the loss, Bowie falls to 30-28 on the season, while Altoona improves to 28-30. The series continues through the weekend, with both teams aiming to gain ground in the standings.
