GAME ONE:
Kyle Stowers Set the early tone for Bowie in the first game. Just the third batter of the game, Stowers clubbed his fifth home run in just his 22nd game in Double-A, putting Bowie ahead 2-0. Joey Wentz did not allow another run on the mound in his start, but needed over 20 pitches in each of the first three innings of the contest, forcing him to leave before the fourth.
Brad Bass took the fourth inning for Erie, but was also tagged for a two run home run, this time by Malquin Canelo. Billy Lescher looked to buck the trend in the fifth inning when he struck out the side, but after walking a batter in the sixth, Lescher would be charged for a run when Ruben Garcia took over on the mound and allowed a pair of base hits. It was the first time since June 27 that at least three Erie relievers each gave up at least one run in a game.
Offensively, Erie did not stand a chance against Grayson Rodriguez. One of baseball’s top overall prospects, Rodriguez tallied a career-high 12 strikeouts on the mound and only allowed two hits. Erie was gifted a run in the third inning when Riley Greene scored on a routine fly ball that would have ended the inning before Robert Neustrom dropped it in left field. After completing five innings, Dillon Dingler would knock Diogenes Almengo for a run in the sixth inning with a solo home run, his second with the ‘Wolves.
Nick Vespi took the seventh inning for Bowie, and struck out the Erie side to end the opening game.
GAME TWO:
Erie was able to make the most out of a five inning start from Chance Kirby in game two. While Kirby did surrender a pair of doubles and a run in the second inning, Erie plated two runs in the bottom of the frame to provide the lead. After Erie had pushed the lead to four runs, Johnny Rizer caused some panic when he lofted a three-run home run to right field.
Despite the home run, Kirby was still able to complete five innings and earn the win, while Chavez Fernander and Yaya Chentouf each logged scoreless innings.
While Erie did fall behind early, they were able to take advantage of their opportunities at the plate to take the lead. After a leadoff walk tossed by Ofelky Peralta in the bottom of the second, Erie went on to load the bases, and Danny Woodrow bounced a ball up the left field line to score a pair, putting Erie ahead for good. Erie added another run in the third on a single to right field by Kerry Carpenter, while Ryan Kreidler and Drew Ward each contributed with two-run home runs, with the later coming against David Lebron. After Eie had pushed ahead, Tyler Ervin and Tim Naughton filled the gap. The SeaWolves scored in four consecutive innings.
Erie can now focus on their next series of the year, when the make the trip to New York to take on the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. First pitch for the first game on Tuesday is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.