The Bowie Baysox secured a narrow 2-1 victory against the Erie SeaWolves on Thursday night at UPMC Park, thanks to a decisive ninth-inning double by Carter Young.
Young’s line drive into left center off Erie’s Jake Higginbotham (L, 2-5) brought Frederick Bencosme home, breaking the 1-1 tie. The hit marked Young’s second of the game and his third double since joining Double-A.
Both teams’ starting pitchers delivered strong performances, keeping the game scoreless through five innings. Erie’s Jake Miller impressed in his Double-A debut, throwing five shutout innings with three strikeouts and no walks. Bowie’s Peter Van Loon matched this effort, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out five in his five-inning stint.
Van Loon, 25, concludes his season with a commendable 2.66 ERA over 47.1 innings, accumulating 61 strikeouts.
The Baysox (29-37, 61-73) broke the deadlock in the sixth inning against Eric Silva. Luis Valdez drew a leadoff walk and was driven home by Heston Kjerstad’s single, giving Bowie a 1-0 lead. Kjerstad, currently on a Major League rehab assignment, has contributed four hits and three RBI in the first three games of the series.
Erie (37-28, 75-57) equalized in the bottom of the sixth, capitalizing on two throwing errors by Bowie catcher Silas Ardoin. Austin Murr drew a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on Ardoin’s errant throw to center field. Murr then scored when Ardoin’s pickoff attempt at third base deflected off him into left field.
Keagan Gillies (W, 1-2) earned his first win of the season for Bowie, pitching two perfect innings of relief in the seventh and eighth. Kyle Virbitsky (S, 1) secured his first Double-A save with a flawless ninth inning, including two strikeouts.
The victory improves Bowie’s record in one-run games this season to 24-18.
The series between the Baysox and SeaWolves continues Friday at 6:05 pm at UPMC Park. Bowie’s Cameron Weston (6-9, 3.26 ERA) is slated to face Erie’s Carlos Pena (7-6, 3.57 ERA) on the mound.
Looking ahead, the Baysox have announced their 2025 home opener, scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, against the Erie SeaWolves at Prince George’s Stadium. The complete 2025 schedule, including road games, game times, and a promotional events calendar, will be released at a later date.
This late-season victory showcases the Baysox’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the team approaches the end of their 2024 campaign, such close wins could provide momentum and confidence heading into the offseason and preparations for 2025.
For the SeaWolves, despite the loss, their strong season record indicates a competitive team that will likely pose a significant challenge when they return to Prince George’s Stadium for Bowie’s 2025 home opener.
As minor league affiliates, both teams continue to play a crucial role in player development for their respective Major League organizations, the Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers. Games like this provide valuable experience for prospects and rehabilitating players alike, contributing to the overall strength of their parent clubs.
