The Bowie Baysox took a one-run lead into the ninth inning against Akron Saturday only to have victory slip through their fingers, as the Aeros scored three runs to win 8-6.

Baltimore-native starter Steve Johnson gave up five runs to the Aeros through the first five innings off of five hits, but would have been in line for the win thanks to the still-hot Baysox offense and their 11 hits in the game.

Akron got the early jump on him when left fielder Nick Weglarz knocked the ball out of the park for a two-run home run in the first inning. Baysox designated hitter Joel Guzman erased that lead in the third inning with a three-run blast over the center field wall.

The Aeros came back in the fourth stanza with three runs generated by three consecutive doubles.

With a 6-5 lead after four innings, the Baysox went into cruise control as they turned to their bullpen, which has been a strength for the club through the early season. Pedro Beato and Pat Egan came in to work three innings of shutout relief.

It all fell apart for the Baysox in the game’s final inning with lefty Wilfrido Perez on the hill going for his fourth save of the year. Perez, who spent much of last year recovering from elbow surgery, walked the leadoff batter and hit the next to put runners on first and second. A wild pitch allowed both runners to advance before Aeros center fielder Tim Fedroff cleared the bases with a double. Fedroff went on to score the final run on a single to center field by Weglarz.

The Aeros and Baysox close out their series Sunday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. Connor Graham (0-2, 7.07 ERA) gets the start for Akron against Chorye Spoone (1-1, 3.07 ERA). The game broadcast begins at 1:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

Game recap courtesy of baysox.com.