BOWIE- The Chesapeake Baysox dropped a high-scoring contest to the Akron RubberDucks by a final score of 10-8 on Friday night at Prince George’s Stadium. The Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles fell to 9-9 on the season while Akron improved its record.
The Baysox trailed 6-1 early. They loaded the bases with no outs in the third inning but managed only one run on a double play. Akron responded with six runs in the top of the fourth, highlighted by a grand slam from Ralphy Velazquez during a brief rain shower. Left-handed starter Sebastian Gongora was removed with two outs in the inning after allowing four hits. Only two of his five runs charged were earned due to a defensive error.
Chesapeake mounted a strong comeback in the middle innings behind Tavian Josenberger and Frederick Bencosme. Josenberger reached base and scored three times overall. In the fifth, he walked and Bencosme followed with a two-run home run, his third of the season, cutting the deficit to 6-3. The Baysox erupted in the sixth, loading the bases on singles from Maverick Handley and Thomas Sosa plus a walk to Carter Young. A bases-loaded walk to Adam Retzbach brought in one run. Josenberger then delivered a two-run double to give Chesapeake its first lead at 7-6. He advanced to third on an error and scored on a Bencosme groundout for an 8-6 advantage. The duo combined for 4-for-7 hitting with five RBI and four runs scored.
Akron rallied to tie the game in the seventh with a solo home run and a sacrifice fly that scored a runner after a walk. The score remained even until the ninth when two Chesapeake errors helped the RubberDucks plate two runs on a go-ahead double from Joe Lampe and a fielder’s choice. Right-hander Jean Carlos Henriquez took the loss, falling to 0-1.
The Baysox bullpen could not hold the late lead. Akron’s relief work proved decisive, with right-hander Magnus Ellerts earning the win at 1-0 after two scoreless innings and Jack Carey recording his first save with a perfect ninth.
The game featured offensive firepower from both sides in a matchup between Eastern League opponents. Josenberger and Bencosme powered the Baysox offense during the comeback attempt while Velazquez provided the big blow for Akron. Errors in the late innings proved costly for the home team in the wild affair.
The Baysox continue their homestand against the RubberDucks on Saturday. The contest, originally set for 6:35 p.m., has been moved up to a 2:05 p.m. first pitch because of expected weather. Gates open at 1 p.m. Right-hander Christian Herberholz, who holds a 0-1 record and 9.39 ERA, starts for Chesapeake against Akron left-hander Matt Wilkinson, 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA.
Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie serves as a key baseball destination for fans across the greater Washington-Baltimore region, including many from Southern Maryland counties. The Baysox provide an accessible opportunity for local families to enjoy professional-affiliated baseball close to home, with the team fostering community ties through promotions and youth engagement programs that draw supporters from Calvert, Charles and St. Marys counties.
This early-season series reflects the competitive balance in the Eastern League as both clubs build momentum. The Baysox, in their ongoing development role for Orioles prospects, continue to showcase emerging talent like Josenberger and Bencosme who contribute immediate impact. Local baseball enthusiasts in Southern Maryland often follow these games as a bridge to major league action in Baltimore.
The homestand offers residents a chance to experience live baseball amid the region’s spring schedule. Fans from Southern Maryland can reach the stadium within a reasonable drive, making it a popular weekend outing that supports family recreation and local economic activity around game days.
Saturday’s adjusted start time accommodates weather concerns common in the mid-Atlantic spring, allowing fans to enjoy daytime baseball. The Baysox organization regularly adapts to conditions to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for attendees from across Southern Maryland and beyond.
