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Akron RubberDucks

RubberDucks Outlast Curve Late

April 18, 2015 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Akron catcher Jeremy Lucas delivered a clutch, two-out RBI single in the 7th inning Saturday night, breaking a 1-1 tie, and setting the stage for a 6-1 victory over the Altoona Curve at People's Natural Gas Field.

Turning Point

The RubberDucks (4-5) sent nine men to the plate in the seventh inning and scored three runs, all unearned, to take a 3-1 lead. A walk and error allowed the first two batters to reach, but a failed sacrifice led to the first out. Righthander John Kuchno (0-2) then induced Erik Gonzalez to hit a grounder at shortstop Gift Ngoepe, who stepped on second for a force, but threw wildly to first, allowing Todd Hankins to score the tying run. Lucas then followed with his RBI single to right field to chase home Gonzalez with the go-ahead run. After a pitching change, Jake Lowery beat out an infield single off lefty Josh Smith to score Anthony Gallas to make it 3-1.

Mound Presence

Righthander Josh Martin (2-0) earned the win for the RubberDucks. Martin inherited a bases-loaded jam with one out in the fifth inning with the RubberDucks trailing, 1-0. He struck out Altoona's Eric Wood and retired Jon Schwind on a fly-out to slam the door. He went on to pitch two more scoreless innings. So far this season, Martin has stranded all five base runners that he has inherited. Akron starter Mike Clevinger only allowed one run, but lasted only 4 1/3 innings. He walked four and fanned six, and left in favor of Martin with the bases full after reaching 95 pitches in the fifth.

Duck Tales

Justin Toole blew the game open with a three-run triple in the 9th, making it 6-1, and giving Toole his first three RBI of the season. Yonathan Mendoza got the start at second base, and picked up two singles and two walks in his AA debut. Gallas reached base all five times he came to bat, collecting a single and four walks. He scored twice.

Notes

The Curve (5-4) used four pitchers in the game, and issued 10 walks...Starter Chad Kuhl tossed five shutout innings... The two teams combined to leave 27 men on base- 14 for Altoona, and 13 for Akron...The RubberDucks left the bases loaded three times in the game...After Toole's triple, Altoona skipper Tom Prince summoned Schwind to come in from left field and pitch. Schwind walked Mendoza, but got Hankins to fly out...The temperature at first pitch was 74 degrees...Time of game: 3:27...Attendance: 5,235.

Up Next

The RubberDucks and Curve will play the finale of the series on Sunday afternoon at 1:00. LHP Ryan Merritt is the expected starter for Akron, and LHP Zack Dodson is scheduled to start for the Curve. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and at www.akronrubberducks.com.

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