Akron beats Erie
July 17, 2014 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
(Akron, Ohio) The Akron Rubberducks, who find themselves in a playoff chase following the All-Star Break, used a four run third inning to defeat the Erie SeaWolves, 5-3, on Thursday evening at Canal Park.
Akron starter Will Roberts (10-9) earned the win for the RubberDucks (57-41), marking his 19th straight decision. The right-hander hurled six and 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. Of his 41 career AA appearances, Roberts has thrown at least five innings in 38.
An explosive five-hit inning in the third set the tone for the RubberDucks, giving them an early 4-0 lead. An RBI by Tim Fedroff sent Ronny Rodriguez across the plate, followed by an RBI-single by Francisco Lindor to send Jordan Smith home, who initially reached base on a walk.
With ducks on the pond, an RBI single off the bat of Bryan LaHair drove Fedroff home. With the hit, LaHair is now 7-8 while batting with the bases loaded. An Anthony Gallas RBI double followed, allowing Adam Abraham to score.
Gallas parked a home run over the left field wall in the fifth, bringing the Akron lead to 5-0. The solo homer was his seventh homer of the season.
The SeaWolves (44-53) fought back in the seventh, when an RBI triple by Daniel Fields allowed Devon Travis to score. A sacrifice fly by Steven Moya brought Fields the final 90 feet home, tightening the Akron lead to 5-2.
Elvis Araujo earned his first save as a RubberDuck, closing out the ninth inning with a double play off the bat of Dixon Machado.
Erie starter Kyle Ryan (6-9) was charged with the loss, throwing five innings, allowing eight hits, five runs, three of which were earned, and walking one batter.
The Akron RubberDucks will continue the seven-day homestand at Canal Park Friday at 7:05 p.m. for the second game of the five-game series. Lefty Shawn Morimando (1-0) will make his second start for Akron and righty Jake Thompson (NR) will take the mound for Erie. The game will be broadcast on WARF 1350 AM and www.AkronRubberDucks.com.
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season is its 18th since moving to Canal Park and its first since becoming the RubberDucks. For more information and merchandise featuring the Akron RubberDucks, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. The Akron RubberDucks are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.
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