Chaves, Constanza Pace Aeros in 5-1 Win
Published on April 17, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
BOWIE, MD - Brandon Chaves and Jose Constanza both broke out of season-long slumps by driving in two runs apiece and the Aeros never trailed in a 5-1 win over Bowie before 1,497 fans at Prince George's Stadium Thursday. The Aeros improved to 6-7 and have won four of their last six games, while the last-place Baysox dropped to 5-9.
Akron starter Frank Herrmann found himself in an immediate jam in the bottom of the first, as he surrendered singles to the first two Bowie hitters. First baseman Michael Aubrey made a nice catch over the railing in foul ground for the first out though, and shortstop Josh Rodriguez then saved a run as he kept Jeff Nettles's single on the infield as Bowie loaded the bases with one away. Herrmann then danced out of danger, inducing an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play from Ben Davis to strand the runners.
The Aeros took the lead in the top of the second on an RBI single by Nathan Panther, and a two-out RBI double by Chaves scored Constanza all the way from first as Akron made it 2-0 in the fifth. Herrmann found himself in another jam in the bottom of the sixth as Nettles and Davis delivered consecutive two-out singles, but Sung-Wei Tseng came on in relief and retired the dangerous Ryan Finan on the first pitch to preserve the lead.
The clubs traded runs in the seventh, with Constanza delivering a sacrifice fly and Blake Davis getting Bowie on the board with an RBI double. The Aeros then shut the door in the top of the ninth, as Constanza singled home Chris Gimenez and Chaves followed with a sharp RBI single to score Panther for the final margin.
Herrmann (2-0) got the win with 5.2 shutout innings and remains the only Akron starter with a victory this year. He scattered seven hits over his outing, and did not issue a walk or record a strikeout. Bowie's Jason Berken (0-2) suffered the loss despite a quality start, allowing two runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out three against no walks. Jeff Stevens got the final six outs for his first save. Panther finished the night 3-4 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored to extend his hitting streak to nine games, and Wes Hodges singled in the sixth to extend his streak to nine games as well. Constanza (hitting .089 coming in) finished 1-3 with a run scored and two RBI and Chaves (hitting .094 entering play) went 2-5 with a double and two driven in.
Game two in this four-game series is set for 7:05 p.m. Friday night, with Akron lefty Ryan Edell (0-0, 2.53 ERA) taking on Bowie's Chris Tillman (0-0, 2.53 ERA). The game broadcast begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.
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