BOWIE, Md. — The Chesapeake Baysox dropped an 8-4 decision to the Akron RubberDucks on April 22 at Prince George’s Stadium, falling to 8-8 on the young 2026 Eastern League season.
The Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles scored three runs in the second inning to take a brief lead but could not hold off a late surge from the Cleveland Guardians affiliate. Akron scored six unanswered runs after the second frame to secure the victory in the second game of a series between the clubs.
The RubberDucks opened the scoring in the top of the second with a two-run double by Joe Lampe following three straight hits. Chesapeake responded in the bottom half as the first four batters reached base. Tavian Josenberger and Carter Young delivered back-to-back RBI singles that plated Anderson De Los Santos, Adam Retzbach and Josenberger for a 3-2 Baysox advantage.
Akron tied the game in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Angel Genao. The visitors took the lead in the fifth with a Guy Lipscomb RBI double off left-hander Eric Torres. Akron added one run in the eighth and three more in the ninth, capitalizing on defensive miscues to build an 8-3 cushion. Ethan Anderson’s third hit of the night drove in Chesapeake’s final run in the bottom of the ninth.
Anderson went 3-for-4, improving to 6-for-9 against Akron this week and hitting .600 at home this season. Josenberger collected multiple hits. Eleven of 12 Baysox starters recorded at least one hit in a game that featured 11 total hits for the home team. Alfredo Velásquez made a standout defensive play in right field with two outs and the bases loaded in the second inning to limit further damage.
Josh Hartle earned the win for Akron, throwing five innings and allowing three runs. Jay Driver recorded the save. Torres took the loss for Chesapeake.
The Baysox stranded nine Akron runners in the first four innings, highlighting early pitching resilience before the late collapse. The defeat marked just the second home loss of the season for the club at Prince George’s Stadium.
Chesapeake returns to action Thursday morning against Akron in a 11:05 a.m. contest. Left-hander Luis De León, the Orioles’ No. 2 prospect, is scheduled to start for the Baysox against Caden Favors. The series continues through the weekend and offers fans across Southern Maryland an opportunity to see top minor league talent close to home.
Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie draws strong support from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s county residents, many of whom make the short drive north for games. The venue features family-friendly amenities, including a recently enhanced Chesapeake Bay-themed Kids Zone with a lighthouse play structure and improved accessibility. The Baysox organization continues to build on its connection to the broader region through promotions, youth clinics and community events that highlight the link between Orioles prospects and local baseball fans.
The 2026 season marks continued development for the rebranded Chesapeake Baysox, who play in the Eastern League and serve as a key step in the Orioles’ player pipeline. Early season results show competitive play with strong offensive outputs from prospects like Anderson and Josenberger. Home games at the 10,000-seat stadium provide affordable entertainment and exposure to professional baseball for families throughout Southern Maryland.
