BOWIE — The Chesapeake Baysox scored five runs in the fifth inning and seven more in the seventh to overcome multiple deficits and defeat the Akron RubberDucks 15-12 on Tuesday night.
The Baysox improved to 21-30 in the Eastern League and moved within one game of .500 for the first time in weeks. Five Chesapeake hitters recorded multiple hits in a game that featured 27 total runs and eight home runs.
Aron Estrada led off the bottom of the first with his eighth home run of the season, giving the Baysox a 1-0 lead. Griff O’Ferrall added a solo shot in the second to make it 2-1. Akron tied the game in the second on a home run by Jacob Cozart.
The RubberDucks took control in the fourth with a seven-run inning capped by a three-run homer from Jaison Chourio. That gave Akron an 8-3 advantage. Chesapeake responded immediately. Carter Young and Estrada each delivered RBI singles in the bottom of the fourth. The Baysox then scored five runs in the fifth, including a three-run homer, to tie the game at 8-8.
Akron regained the lead with two-run homers from Chourio and Wuilfredo Antunez in the fifth and sixth innings. The RubberDucks led 12-8 entering the seventh.
Chesapeake sent 12 batters to the plate in the bottom of the seventh. The Baysox scored seven runs, six of them with two outs, and benefited from three Akron errors. Estrada reached on a throwing error that allowed two runs to score and tie the game. Ethan Anderson followed with a two-run double down the left-field line to give Chesapeake the lead for good at 15-12.
Daniel Lloyd earned the win in relief, and Zane Barnhart recorded his second save. The pair combined to pitch the final 2? innings without allowing a run.
Young finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs for his first three-hit game of the season. Estrada added two hits and two RBIs.
The Baysox and RubberDucks continue their six-game series Wednesday night at Prince George’s Stadium. Left-hander Joseph Dzierwa is scheduled to start for Chesapeake against Akron left-hander Josh Hartle. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
The Eastern League contest offered fans a high-scoring display typical of Double-A baseball, where prospects often showcase power and offensive production. Chesapeake’s ability to rally twice demonstrated resilience in a season where the team has hovered near the middle of the standings.
Prince George’s Stadium remains a convenient destination for baseball fans across central and Southern Maryland. The venue hosts affordable Double-A games featuring players developing toward the major leagues with the Orioles organization.
