Frederick, Maryland – Dominic Fritton struck out six batters, while Ryan McCoy captured his 20th multi-hit game of the season, as the Bowling Green Hot Rods (75-36, 28-18) fell 5-2 to the Frederick Keys (68-40, 27-17) on Friday at Nymeo Field in Frederick, Maryland.
Bowling Green plated one run in the top of the first inning against Frederick starter Kyson Witherspoon. Narciso Polanco collected a one-out hit and stole second base. Ryan McCoy singled to right, scoring Polanco, giving Bowling Green a 1-0 lead.
The Keys responded with two runs in the bottom of the first against Fritton. DJ Layton led off with a single and stole second. Ethan Anderson launched a two-run homer to left, handing the Keys a 2-1 lead.
Two more runs came in to score against Fritton in the second and third innings. In the second, Braylon Whitaker hit a solo homer to right, increasing the lead to 3-1. In the third, Layton led off with a single, stealing second and third. Enddy Azocar grounded out, scoring Layton, bringing the score to 4-1.
Frederick plated another run in the bottom of the fifth against Fritton. Azocar lined a one-out triple to center, and Anderson singled him home, building up the Frederick lead to 5-1.
The Hot Rods drove in a run in the top of the sixth inning against Witherspoon and Keys reliever Ben Vispi. Ryan Cermak led off with a walk and stole second. With two outs, Aybar singled to center to score Cermak, creating a 5-2 score.
Neither team scored for the final three innings, ending the game in a 5-2 Frederick victory.
Witherspoon (4-5) picked up the win, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out nine while walking two over 5.0 innings. Fritton (0-2) was given the loss, surrendering five runs on nine hits while striking out six across 5.0 frames. Bradley Brehmer (2) earned his second save of the season, pitching 1.0 perfect inning to close out.
The Hot Rods and Keys play the penultimate game of the series with a 5:00 PM CT first pitch at Nymeo Field. Bowling Green will send out LHP Dominic Niman (7-4, 4.09) while Frederick’s pitcher is to be determined.
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