On August 5, 2025, the Chesapeake Baysox fell 3-2 to the Akron RubberDucks in a tightly contested game at Canal Park in Akron, Ohio, before 3,329 fans. The loss dropped the Chesapeake Baysox to 43-58 overall, placing them fifth in the Eastern League’s Southwest Division, while Akron improved to 58-44, holding second place. Representing Bowie and the broader Chesapeake region, including Southern Maryland, the Chesapeake Baysox showed resilience with a late rally led by Douglas Hodo III.
The game was scoreless until the sixth inning, when Akron’s Joe Lampe singled, scoring Travis Bazzana for a 1-0 lead. In the seventh, Jonah Advincula’s walk and Bazzana’s double play added two runs, putting the RubberDucks ahead 3-0. The Chesapeake Baysox rallied in the eighth, with Hodo’s double driving in Adam Retzbach and Austin Overn, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Akron’s bullpen, anchored by Steven Abney’s save, held firm in the ninth, thwarting the Chesapeake Baysox’s comeback.
Chesapeake Baysox starter Lincoln Money pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three, but reliever Brandon Rustad (0-2) took the loss after yielding one run. Akron’s Matt Jacobs (1-2) earned the win, with Tanner Sharpe’s hold and Abney’s save sealing the victory. The Chesapeake Baysox struggled offensively, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine on base. A throwing error by Frederick Bencosme contributed to Akron’s scoring, though the Chesapeake Baysox defense turned three double plays to limit damage.
Hodo led the Chesapeake Baysox with a double and two RBIs, while Brandon Butterworth and Leandro Estrada each stole a base. Akron’s Lampe and Advincula drove in runs, with Guy Lipscomb stealing a base. The game, played under partly cloudy skies at 77 degrees, lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes, starting at 12:07 p.m. The Chesapeake Baysox, based at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, remain a point of pride for Southern Maryland fans, who can stream games on MiLB.TV.
The loss underscores the Chesapeake Baysox’s challenges in the Eastern League’s second half, but their late rally showed determination. Charles County residents, who also support teams like the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, rally behind the Chesapeake Baysox as they face Akron in the ongoing series at Canal Park. The team’s rebranding to Chesapeake Baysox in November 2024 reflects their connection to the region, including Southern Maryland, fostering community engagement through baseball.
