The Sens once again catch themselves regrouping after dropping a frustrating Game 5 of the series. Chesapeake took a 3-2 series lead. The Sens fell to 5.5 games behind Erie for the division lead and now trail Chesapeake by 1.5 games for 2nd place. The Sens are 4-6 in their last 10 and have only won 2 of their last 7 games. They’re heading in the wrong direction for a team with aspirations to compete for the division in the second half. A lot can change quickly in baseball but we’re officially past the half way point of the second half and the Sens have a lot of work to do.

The Sens will hand the ball to Holden Powell, who will be the Opener for tonight’s ball game. Powell has allowed only 4 runs in his last 16 appearances dating back to May. He has been tremendous the last two months out of the pen for the Sens. I would expect Holden to throw an inning or two depending on how the outing goes before the Sens turn the ball over to their bulk pitcher for the evening.

The Baysox will counter with Anthony Eyanson. Eyanson was acquired in the deal that sent Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox. Eyanson is the Baltimore Orioles now # 1 prospect. Interestingly, Eyanson last pitched last Friday night, July 31st, against the Senators when he was still in the Red Sox organization playing for the Portland Sea Dogs. He pitched 4 2/3 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out a season high 10 batters. Eyanson has been spectacular this season and has lived up to every bit of the hype.

Saturday night baseball in Bowie. Sens and Baysox. Sens need a streak starting win. First pitch coming up at 6:35.

Harrisburg Senators Lineup: 1. Nick Mitchell CF 2. Cortland Lawson SS 3. Branden Boissiere DH 4. Kervin Pichardo 2B 5. Caleb Lomavita C 6. Ethan Petry 1B 7. Sam Brown LF 8. TJ White RF 9. Devin Ortiz 3B

Chesapeake Baysox Lineup: 1. Aron Estrada DH 2. Brandon Butterworth 2B 3. Wehiwa Aloy 3B 4. Victor Figueroa 1B 5. Thomas Sosa RF 6. Frederick Bencosme LF 7. Griff O’Ferrall SS 8. Tavian Josenberger CF 9. Connor Retzbach C

The Sens had runners in scoring position in each of the first 4 innings. They had 2 and 3rd nobody out and bases loaded 1 out in 2 of those 4 innings. What came of it for the Senators? Zero runs. That lone stat told the story of the game, 13 left on base and 1-13 with runners in scoring position. Outside of Sam Brown’s 3 run home run in the 9th inning the night before most everything for the last week has been a struggle, while runs have come at a premium. Chesapeake wasn’t much better only going 2-11 with runners in scoring position and left 6 on base. Unlike the Senators though, they got those 2 key runs in a 3 run 5th inning that was the difference maker in last night’s game.

Senators starter Yoel Tejeda Jr wasn't brilliant but he did everything to keep his team in the ball game and deserved much better than getting the loss. The Senators offense provided no run support and didn’t score until the 8th inning. The Senators bullpen pitched well and would only allow 1 run on 2 hits in their 3 2/3 innings of work.

No timely hitting, no run support for your pitcher equates to non winning baseball very often. The Sens would go onto drop Game 5, 5-2

On Deck…

Tomorrow is getaway day for the Senators. The Sens will look to end this 2 week road trip on a high note. The Sens and Baysox will play the Game 7 finale of their series Sunday afternoon at Prince George’s Stadium. Jack Cebert is expected to take the ball for the Sens in his return from the IL due to a blister. Cebert, the Nationals # 13 overall prospect, was acquired in the deal that sent Luis Garcia to the New York Yankees. The Baysox will counter with Trace Bright. Trace is 1-8 in 15 appearances with the AAA Norfolk this season. He’ll be making only his 6th appearance with the Baysox this year. First pitch for tomorrow’s finale will be at 1:05. Check them out on Bally Sports App or on ESPN Radio Harrisburg 95.3 or 1400 with Sens broadcaster Frankie Vernouski.

Devin Fitz-Gerald has had a tough go of things at the AA level thus far. There have been glimpses of the talented middle infielder prospect that the Nationals acquired over the winter in the Mackenzie Gore trade. He dominated everything in A ball but it hasn’t transitioned over to AA.. yet. Now he’s had a recent string of bad luck and has run into a couple HBP’s that have sidelined him. He’s played in 3 games since his return from the IL and is 0-11 with 3Ks in those games. In last night’s Game 5 against Chesapeake Fitz-Gerald took a ball to the face in a scary incident. It was an unfortunate accident and will likely sideline Devin again, this time likely for a lengthy period of time. Best wishes to Devin! Heal up quickly and Senators and Nationals fans alike are wishing you well in your recovery.