After each of the series’ first two games were decided by a 3-2 score, game one in favor of the Salem Red Sox and game two in favor of the Frederick Keys, the Orioles’ Class A Advanced affiliate made sure the outcome of game three wasn’t in doubt.
Home runs from first baseman Christian Walker (a solo shot in the fourth inning) and right fielder Brenden Webb (a two-run bomb in the sixth) helped the Keys cruise past the Sox at Harry Grove Stadium.
Starter Henry Owens began the night strong for Salem. He retired the first six batters he faced. But then in the third, Owens walked two, setting the stage for a three-run inning. The Keys never looked back, pouring on one run in the fourth inning, two in the fifth, and two in the seventh. Owens finished his night after four and two thirds innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits and 4 walks, striking out six. He took the loss, falling to 3-2. Keys starter Eduardo Rodriguez sailed through his seven innings of work, allowing one run on four hits, and taking the victory to improve to 5-2.
Sox reliever Matty Ott stranded two runners on a clutch strikeout of Walker after replacing Owens with two outs in the fifth. But Ott would go on to struggle, allowing four earned runs before his two-inning outing came to a close. Robby Scott made his first appearance following a stint on the disabled list for Salem. He pitched a scoreless one and one third innings. Tommy Winegardner and Gene Escat both pitched scoreless innings of relief for Frederick to finish off the Red Sox.
The Sox grabbed their only run in the fifth. Left fielder Brandon Jacobs doubled to lead off the frame, and was doubled home by catcher Blake Swihart. Salem shortstop Deven Marrero also had a notable night offensively; he went 2-4 with a pair of singles.
Salem returns to action tomorrow night in Potomac, for the opener of a four-game series against the Nationals. Heri Quevedo (1-2, 5.67) will get his second start of the season for Salem. He’ll be opposed by Sammy Solis (0-0, 4.50) for Potomac. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
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