Joseph Dzierwa Pitches Chesapeake Baysox to 3-2 Baseball Win Over Reading Fightin Phils after the left-hander delivered six scoreless innings in Chesapeake’s 3-2 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils on Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Dzierwa allowed one hit and three walks while striking out seven to earn the win and improve to 3-1.
The victory moved Chesapeake within four games of first place in the Eastern League’s Southwest division second-half standings after Erie lost to Hartford. The Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, built an early lead and held off Reading over the final innings.
Joseph Dzierwa Extends Scoreless Streak
Dzierwa struck out the side in the first inning and recorded five strikeouts through the first two frames. He worked around two second-inning walks and retired seven consecutive batters before a fifth-inning walk put a runner on base.
The only hit against Dzierwa came in the sixth inning, when Pedro Leon singled with one out. Dzierwa finished the inning with a double play, completing his second consecutive six-inning start without allowing a run.
This performance marked Dzierwa’s third consecutive start with Chesapeake without allowing an earned run. He has pitched 19 innings since surrendering his last earned run on July 24.
Dzierwa recorded the sixth quality start of his debut professional season and his fourth with Chesapeake. His 1.98 ERA at the Double-A level ranks second among pitchers with at least 55 innings at that level, according to the game report.
Dzierwa entered the game with 82 strikeouts for Chesapeake and 132 total strikeouts this season. His total was one shy of the most in Minor League Baseball, according to the source.
Chesapeake Baysox Build Early Lead
Chesapeake gave Dzierwa immediate support when Aron Estrada hit a leadoff home run on the first pitch of the game. The home run was Estrada’s team-leading 18th of the season.
Wehiwa Aloy reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second base in the first inning. With two outs, Frederick Bencosme followed with an RBI single that scored Aloy and gave Chesapeake a two-run lead.
Chesapeake added its third run in the fourth inning without a hit. Griff O’Ferrall reached on a wild pitch strikeout, stole second and third, and scored on Fernando Peguero’s sacrifice fly.
All three Chesapeake runs scored against Reading starter Luke Russo, who took the loss with a 9-7 record. The Reading Fightin Phils are the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sebastian Gongora Earns Save
Left-hander Sebastian Gongora pitched the final three innings for Chesapeake. Reading got on the board in the eighth inning after a Raylin Heredia single and an Alex Binelas groundout.
Gongora stranded the tying run at third base to end the eighth inning before completing a scoreless ninth. He earned the save as Chesapeake secured the one-run victory.
What Comes Next for Chesapeake Baysox
Chesapeake will continue its series at Reading on Thursday night. Pat Reilly is scheduled to start for Chesapeake against Reading left-hander Alex Seminaris, with first pitch at 7 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium.
The Baysox will return home Tuesday, Aug. 18, to open a six-game series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Dzierwa’s six scoreless innings gave Chesapeake the foundation it needed in a close road game. His three-start run without allowing an earned run has moved him to 19 consecutive scoreless innings since July 24.
Estrada’s first-pitch home run and Chesapeake’s first-inning baserunning created an early advantage. Gongora protected the lead over the final three innings to complete the 3-2 win.
Source: Original report
