Frederick, Maryland – Tampa Bay Rays No. 4 prospect Nathan Flewelling blasted his 20th homer of the season, but extra-innings action led the Bowling Green Hot Rods (75-35, 28-17) to a 5-4 loss against the Frederick Keys (67-40, 26-17) on Thursday at Nymeo Field in Frederick, Maryland.
The Hot Rods plated two runs in the top of the first inning against Keys starter Evan Yates. Tony Santa Maria led off with a double, and Flewelling blasted a two-run homer to right, giving the Hot Rods a 2-0 lead.
One run scored in the bottom of the second inning for Frederick against Bowling Green starter Jonathan Russell. With two outs Braylin Tavera hit a solo home run to left, bringing the score to 2-1.
After a five-inning scoreless drought for both teams, the Keys plated another run in the bottom of the eight against Hot Rods reliever Jackson Lancaster. DJ Layton led off with a walk and stole second. Leandro Arias singled, putting runners on the corners. Jordan Sanchez hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Layton, tying the game at 2-2.
Neither team scored in the ninth, forcing extra innings for the second consecutive night.
The Hot Rods started with Felix Cotes at second base as the extra-innings runner against Keys reliever Cohen Achen. With two outs, Noah Myers doubled to left, scoring Cotes, giving the Hot Rods a 3-2 lead. Nicandro Aybar singled on a grounder to first, and an error by Yasmil Bucce on the play allowed Myers to score, making it 4-2.
In the bottom of the tenth, Frederick started with Layton as the extra-innings runner with Kaleb Corbett on the mound. Arias grounded a ball to first, and an error from Corbett allowed him to reach, putting runners on the corners. One out later, Randal Diaz doubled in both runners, tying the game at 4-4. Three consecutive walks to Enddy Azocar, Tavera, and Bucce pushed in the winning run, creating a 5-4 walk-off win for the Keys.
Achen (2-1) picked up the win, allowing two unearned runs on four hits while striking out two. Corbett (4-3) was given the loss, surrendering three runs (one earned) on two hits, walking three and striking out two.
The Hot Rods and Keys play the fourth game of a six-game series on Friday with a 6:00 PM CT first pitch at Nymeo Field. Bowling Green will send out LHP Dominic Fritton (0-1, 9.00) against Frederick RHP Kyson Witherspoon (3-5, 4.52).
Fans can catch all the action by watching on MiLB.tv, listening through the MiLB First Pitch App and BGHotRods.com. Fans can also secure their seats for future home Hot Rods games by calling (270) 901-2121, visiting the Bowling Green Ballpark box office during normal business hours, or going to www.bghotrods.com.
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Hot Rods Baseball