Bundy Can’t Tame Hillcats as Keys lose 5-3

Frederick, MD

Baltimore Orioles top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy made his second start at Harry Grove Stadium Thursday; his second consecutive against the Hillcats.

The 19-year-old flamethrower reached 99 mph on the official radar gun, but struggled to command his breaking ball and off-speed pitches.  Lynchburg looked for the fastball the majority of the night and took advantage.  Catcher Braeden Schlehuber went deep off Bundy in the fourth inning.

Bundy has a 4.34 ERA in four starts with the Keys this season.

Bundy’s line: 3 2/3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 3 WP, 1 HR

Keys quotes after Thursday’s loss against Hillcats

Joe Oliveira:

On Bundy

“He’s usually really good with his command. He didn’t have his stuff today and was just a little off. Those things happen. He left a few pitches up in the zone.”

Dylan Bundy:

On his performance

“I left some pitches over the plate. Those guys sat on the fastball.”

On difference between Delmarva and Frederick

“The hitters are a little more patience.  The guys know how to hit the fastball over the plate and out on the outer half. Down there in Delmarva they usually swing through it.”

On how he felt before the game

“You can’t really take away anything from the bullpen.  It’s always going to be different. You can have a great bullpen and have a bad game or the other way around.”

On facing Lynchburg in second straight start

“I’ve never had to do that before. I thought I would do a little bit better this time.”

Orlando Gomez:

On Bundy:

“He struggled. He didn’t have any command. He threw one or two good off-speed pitches for strikes. Everything was high or over the middle and he couldn’t locate any pitches. Tonight he struggled with all his pitches.”

On Bundy facing Lynchburg for second consecutive start:

“They have a good hitting team. He got behind to a lot of hitters and was lucky he didn’t give up more than what he did. It’s going to be an experience for him to make adjustments.”

On difficulty of facing a team for two consecutive starts:

“I don’t think it’s hard. You have to make adjustments.  The more he stays in this league he is going to see the same teams. He is a smart kid he can do it.”

Bundy’s next appearance will be at the Carolina League All-Star game June 19. The organization is unsure of his next start with the Keys, but possible dates include the June 22, 23 or 24.  June 22 & 23 are home games against Myrtle Beach. June 24 is a road game at Carolina.

Photo Credit: Special thanks to Rodger M. Wood