Baysox Cruise by Aeros in Series Opener, 8-2

Akron, OH - The Bowie Baysox and Akron Aeros are scheduled to play 21 times in the regular season this year. Based on the early returns of the season series, the Baysox will owe a thank-you note to the Eastern League schedule maker.

On Friday night, Baysox lefty Jacob Pettit twirled seven strong innings, and right fielder Henry Urrutia drove in three runs as the Baysox defeated Akron, 8-2, in the opener of a three-game series at Canal Park.

Bowie (13-14) improved to 7-2 against the Aeros this season. The Sox have also won four of the five games they have played at Canal Park this year.

Pettit (2-0) scattered six hits over seven innings. He allowed two earned runs, but never trailed in the game. He walked one, struck out four, and improved to 3-1 all-time against the Aeros.

The Baysox scored three times in the second inning off Matt Packer (0-4), to take an early, and ultimately, commanding lead. Caleb Joseph doubled and scored on a single by Zealous Wheeler. After a base hit by Aaron Baker, shortstop Garabez Rosa doubled home both Wheeler and Baker for a 3-0 lead.

Urrutia, a highly regarded outfield prospect from Cuba, stroked an RBI double in the third off Packer, and then added a two-run double in a three-run seventh off reliever Cole Cook. Urrutia now has 11 RBi in 11 games for Bowie.

Packer battled through five innings, giving up four runs on seven hits. He fanned a personal-high eight batters and walked only one.

The Aeros (13-15) snapped a three-game winning streak. Kyle Bellows and Bo Greenwell had the only RBI for the Aeros. Bellows had an RBI single off Pettit in the second inning, and Greenwell drove in a run with a groundout in the third.

Aeros center fielder Tyler Holt was 1-4, extending his hitting streak to six games. Giovanny Urshela started at shortstop for the Aeros, the first time he has played that position in his career.

The crowd of 6,374, was the largest of the season.

The Aeros and Baysox will meet again on Saturday night at 6:05, for game two of the series. RHP Kevin Gausman (1-3, 3.77) will start for the Baysox, while RHP Blake Wood will make a one-inning major league rehab start for the Aeros. RHP Paolo Espino (1-0, 4.50) will follow Wood for his regular appearance in the Aeros rotation. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and online at www.sportsradio1350.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at 330-253-5151 or follow them on Twitter at @AkronAeros and on Facebook at facebook.com/TheAkronAeros.