IronBirds Cruise in Debut for Gomez, Bridwell

It was supposed to be Leo Gomez’s big debut with the IronBirds. The former Baltimore Oriole was managing his first career game in Friday night’s season opener, but it was one of his youngest players who stole the show.

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In his first start for Aberdeen, 19-year-old righthander Parker Bridwell (1–0) struck out nine batters and allowed just four hits in five scoreless innings. Aberdeen rolled to a 7–2 victory against Hudson Valley, and Gomez didn’t mind sharing the spotlight.

“That’s all right with me,” Gomez said laughing. “[Bridwell] pitched pretty good. I’m happy with what he did today. Good control, dominated the game pretty good.”

Aberdeen (1–0) jumped to an early, chasing Renegades starter Wilking Rodriguez after just 3.1 innings. He allowed six runs on eight hits and struck out three with a walk.

The IronBirds scored two runs in the second, third and fourth innings to take a 6–0 lead before adding one in the seventh.

Only two Renegades (0–1) reached third base before the ninth inning.

“I feel like a weight’s been lifted off me now. A little nervousness going into tonight so I’m glad it’s over,” Bridwell said. “I felt good out there on the mound. I’m glad we got the first win under our belt in front of the home fans. … I love pitching in front of Aberdeen.”

IronBirds shortstop Mychal Givens reached on a one-out infield single in the second before Calvert Hall College graduate Joe Velleggia doubled him home. Centerfielder Martin Serrata followed with another double two batters later to score Velleggia and make it 2–0.

“All my family was here. As long as I can get enough tickets, they’ll be here every game. It’s good to have the support,” said Velleggia, a Monkton native who was also making his IronBirds debut. “We jumped out on [Rodriguez] early. It seemed like they were trying to fight back the whole time and just couldn’t put anything together.”

After Austin Knight and Dudley Leonora hit back-to-back singles to open the third, Riley Hornback reached on a bunt to load the bases.

Rodriguez was then called for a balk pushing Knight across for a 3–0 lead.

After Wynston Sawyer struck out, Connor Narron grounded out to second to score Leonora.

In the fourth, Jeremy Nowak hit a one-out single before scoring on Serrata’s second RBI double. After Rodriguez was pulled for Andrew Bellatti, Knight blooped a base hit to center for a six-run lead. The IronBirds' leftfielder finished 3-for-4 with a run and RBI.

Hornback reached second with one out in the seventh on a two-base throwing error. After stealing third, he scored on a Sawyer groundout for a 7–0 lead.

Bridwell struck out the side in the second and fifth innings and got double plays in the third and fourth. He allowed just one runner to reach third.

Eddie Gamboa pitched the sixth through eighth innings for Aberdeen, striking out five batters in three scoreless innings while allowing one hit.

With two outs in the top of the ninth, Brian Bryles hit a double off Aberdeen’s James Brandhorst to score Gerardo Olivares and Jeff Malm.

Brandhorst got Diogenes Luis to fly out to center for the final out.

Sawyer and Narron were the only IronBirds not to reach base.

All smiles after the game, Bridwell was quick to deflect praise in helping Gomez earn his first victory.

“I didn’t steal anything from him,” Bridwell said. “I just did my job, pitched a good game and got the win.”

NEXT GAME: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.

Aberdeen IronBirds (1–0): Jacob Cowan (0–0) vs. Hudson Valley (0–1): Jacob Partridge (0–0)

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