Keys Secure Second Straight Win Over Hot Rods Friday Night
FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Keys took down the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays) for the second time in as many nights on Friday, winning game four of the six-game series by a score of 5-2 at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Led by four hits from Ethan Anderson
FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Keys took down the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Rays) for the second time in as many nights on Friday, winning game four of the six-game series by a score of 5-2 at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
Led by four hits from Ethan Anderson and a nine-strikeout performance from Kyson Witherspoon, the Keys took down the Hot Rods to secure at least a series split at home heading into game five Saturday night.
The Hot Rods brought home the night’s first run on an RBI single to right, but the Keys responded quickly with a two-run homer to left field off the bat of Anderson, who is with the Keys on a Minor League rehab assignment. His two-run blast put Frederick ahead 2-1 through the first inning of the night.
Braylon Whitaker hit the second homer of the night for the Keys in the bottom of the second, as his solo home run to right field put the home team’s lead up to two at 3-1 heading into the third.
Witherspoon struck out the side in order in the top of the third, and Enddy Azocar put home an RBI off a groundout to bring DJ Layton in from third, making it a 4-1 game entering the fourth in the Key City.
Following the Keys and Hot Rods finishing with zeros in the fourth, Witherspoon finished with a 1-2-3 top of the fifth, with an RBI single from Anderson in the bottom frame giving the Keys a 5-1 lead going into the sixth from Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
Despite the Hot Rods getting a run back in the top of the sixth, Witherspoon finished his five-inning performance strong with nine strikeouts while allowing only two runs, as his nine punchouts are a season-high so far in 2026.
With the Keys leading 5-2 approaching the seventh inning, Ben Vespi retired the side in order in the top frame, taking the game to the eighth with Frederick leading by three in game four.
After both sides went scoreless in the eighth, Bradley Brehmer worked a scoreless top of the ninth inning, giving the Keys a 5-2 victory and securing the series split during game four of six.
Game five of the six-game series between the Keys and Hot Rods is set for 6 p.m. Saturday night, from Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium.
Saturday’s game represents Faith Night with special guest Darryl Strawberry being in attendance. A special meet and greet ticket package is available for fans to purchase in the NJM Insurance Group Courtyard. There will also be musical performances from the Collective Church Band and postgame fireworks presented by NJM Insurance Group.