The Frederick Keys defeated the Bowling Green Hot Rods 5-2 Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick, Maryland. Ethan Anderson went 4-for-4 in his first game of a Minor League rehab assignment.
The victory marked the Frederick Keys’ second consecutive win over the Hot Rods in the four-game series. Frederick secured at least a series split at home.
Ethan Anderson Powers Frederick Keys Offense
The Hot Rods scored first on an RBI single, but the Keys responded with Anderson’s two-run home run in the first inning, giving Frederick a 2-1 lead.
Braylon Whitaker added a solo home run in the second inning to extend the lead to 3-1. Enddy Azocar drove in DJ Layton with a groundout in the third, giving the Keys a 4-1 advantage.
Anderson added an RBI single in the fifth inning to push Frederick’s lead to 5-1. The Hot Rods scored once in the sixth, but the Keys held on for the 5-2 victory.
Kyson Witherspoon Records Season-High Strikeout Total
Kyson Witherspoon pitched five innings, struck out nine, and allowed two runs. His nine strikeouts were a season high so far in 2026.
Ben Vespi retired the side in order in the seventh inning. Following scoreless eighth innings from both teams, Bradley Brehmer worked a scoreless ninth inning to close out the victory.
Frederick Keys Faith Night Schedule
Game five of the six-game series was set for 6 p.m. Saturday at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. The game was designated Faith Night, with Darryl Strawberry as a special guest.
The event included musical performances by the Collective Church Band and postgame fireworks presented by NJM Insurance Group.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Frederick Keys combined Ethan Anderson’s four-hit performance with home runs from Anderson and Braylon Whitaker to build an early lead. Kyson Witherspoon’s five innings and nine strikeouts helped Frederick protect that advantage.
With the Keys assured of at least a series split, Saturday’s game was scheduled to continue the home series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.
Source: Original report
