BOWIE — The Chesapeake Baysox dropped a 4-3 decision to the Akron RubberDucks on Wednesday night at Prince George’s Stadium.
Akron scored three runs in the top of the ninth to overcome a two-run deficit. Chesapeake had taken a 3-1 lead on Ethan Anderson’s two-run home run in the eighth. The RubberDucks answered with four hits in the ninth, including a two-out, two-run double by Nick Mitchell that gave Akron the lead. Right-hander Matt Jachec earned the save for the RubberDucks.
Left-hander Joseph Dzierwa delivered a strong outing for Chesapeake. The Orioles’ No. 12 prospect allowed one earned run over six and two-thirds innings, scattering three hits. He retired 15 of the final 16 batters he faced and struck out four. Dzierwa lowered his Double-A ERA to 3.24 and improved his strikeout-to-walk ratio to 23-3.
Akron scored first on Luke Hill’s RBI double in the opening inning. Anderson De Los Santos tied the game in the second with a solo home run to left field, his sixth of the season. The score remained 1-1 through five innings as Akron left-hander Josh Hartle matched Dzierwa’s effectiveness.
Aron Estrada led off the eighth with his first triple of the season. Anderson followed with his two-run homer off Akron right-hander Alaska Abney, putting Chesapeake ahead 3-1. Akron right-hander Ryan Long took the loss after allowing the three-run ninth.
Chesapeake stranded the tying run in the bottom of the ninth. The Baysox fell to 21-31 overall.
The series continues Thursday night at Prince George’s Stadium. Left-hander Sebastian Gongora is scheduled to start for Chesapeake against Akron left-hander Caden Favors. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
Prince George’s Stadium is located in Bowie and serves as the home of the Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Fans from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties can reach the ballpark via major routes including U.S. 301 and Maryland Route 50. The Eastern League contest marked the third game of the current series between the two teams.
