In a challenging series opener at Canal Park, the Bowie Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, succumbed to the Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, with a final score of 5-3.
The Baysox, now standing at a season record of 57-63 and trailing by nine games in the Eastern League Southwest division, faced a tough opponent in Akron, who improved their impressive record to 71-50. Bowie’s right-handed starter Cameron Weston took a hit to his record, now 5-8, after giving up three home runs over his five-inning stint, despite allowing just three hits overall.
The RubberDucks took an early lead with C.J. Kayfus launching a solo home run in the first inning, followed by a two-run homer from Cooper Ingle in the third, and a two-run shot by Yordys Valdes in the fifth inning.
Bowie’s lineup struggled initially, with only one baserunner in the first four innings. However, a spark came in the fifth when Frederick Bencosme hit a solo homer, marking his eighth of the season and his second in the last four games. This homer brought the first run for Bowie, breaking the scoring drought.
The Baysox attempted a late-game rally. After Enrique Bradfield Jr. drew a two-out walk and advanced to second on a balk, Dylan Beavers drove him in with a single. Beavers then stole second and scored on Silas Ardoin’s second hit of the game, bringing the score to 5-3. Despite these efforts, Akron’s right-handed reliever Alaska Abney secured his first save by closing out the game, allowing no further runs.
Looking ahead, the series between Bowie and Akron will continue with six more games. The next matchup features Bowie’s right-hander Trace Bright, seeking his first win of the season against Akron’s Tommy Mace. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Canal Park.
In addition to the ongoing series, the final Baysox homestand is set to begin on September 3 against the Harrisburg Senators. The homestand will feature several promotions, including Military Appreciation Night, Woof Wednesday, a High School College Fair, Baysox Live Happy Hour, and HBCU Divine Nine Night, among others. The homestand promises a variety of activities for fans, culminating in a Family Fun Day and Birdland Celebration.
