BOWIE — The Chesapeake Baysox opened their six-game series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels with an 8-4 victory Tuesday night at Prince George’s Stadium.
Chesapeake (26-37) took the lead for good in the fifth inning when Thomas Sosa hit a three-run home run off left-hander Greg Farone. Sosa’s fifth homer of the season gave the Baysox a 3-0 advantage they never relinquished.
Richmond answered in the sixth with a two-run homer by Bo Davidson, cutting the lead to 3-2. That accounted for the only runs allowed by left-hander Sebastian Gongora, who earned the win to improve to 4-3. Gongora allowed just one hit through five and a third innings and struck out five, bringing his season total to a team-high 68 strikeouts in 63.1 innings.
Left-hander Micah Ashman relieved Gongora in the sixth and tossed a scoreless inning and two thirds.
Chesapeake broke the game open in the seventh, scoring five runs on three hits while taking advantage of Richmond’s two errors on a single play. Five consecutive Baysox batters reached base in the inning. Griff O’Ferrall and Frederick Bencosme delivered RBI singles during the outburst.
Sabin Ceballos hit a late two-run homer for Richmond, but it was not enough as Chesapeake held on for the 8-4 win.
The Baysox continue the series Wednesday night against the Flying Squirrels. Left-hander Luis De León (2-6, 6.07 ERA) is scheduled to start for Chesapeake, while right-hander Charlie McDaniel (1-0, 8.00 ERA) will take the mound for Richmond. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium.
Southern Maryland baseball fans can follow the Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, throughout the season at Prince George’s Stadium. The team provides affordable family entertainment and a direct connection to Orioles prospects for local supporters.
Residents interested in attending games can check the Baysox schedule and ticket information through the team’s official website or MiLB.com.
