If Stanton Cameron makes it to the big leagues, it will be because of his ability to hit home runs.
Cameron's homer to left-center in the sixth inning yesterday propelled the Bowie Baysox to a 7-5 win over the Reading Phillies before 4,421 at Memorial Stadium.
"Since I was young and in high school, I've always been able to hit home runs," Cameron said. "I don't try to hit home runs. I guess you can call it God-given."
Cameron, 24, has hit 46 homers in 226 games during his two seasons in the Orioles' farm system. Cameron was a Rule V draft pick by the Orioles from the New York Mets' minor-league system in 1991.
Last season with Single-A Frederick, he was named the Orioles' Organizational Player of the Year. The past 10 eventually played for the Orioles.
Cameron pulled an 0-1 pitch by Reading starter Darrell Goedhart, who had retired 11 straight and 16 of 17 before facing Cameron.
"He left a fastball a little up," Cameron said. "I knew I hit it well."
Cameron's 17th homer gave Bowie a 4-3 margin, the third and last lead change of the game. It was Cameron's eighth homer and 21st RBI in his past 21 games.
The Baysox scored three runs in the seventh to increase their lead to 7-3.
Reading knocked out struggling right-hander Jose Mercedes in the eighth after a single by Troy Rusk and a double by Jason Moler.
Baysox reliever Tommy Taylor allowed both runners to score, trimming the Bowie margin to 7-5. Rafael Chaves faced two batters in the ninth, recording the final out for his 18th save.
The Baysox, who took two of three from Reading over the weekend, won their first series since July 11 and their first series at home since June 23.
Bowie (57-55) remains three games ahead of London for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern League.