EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aerodynamics

June 1, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


The Erie Blues...The Aeros lost their season-high fourth straight game yesterday afternoon, falling to Erie 7-2 at Jerry Uht Park. The three-game sweep at the hands of the SeaWolves was the first for Akron since dropping three in a row at New Britain August 22-24 last season. Since a 28-8 start to the season the Aeros are only 4-8 in their last 12 games, including five losses to the second-place SeaWolves who now sit just three games behind Akron in the Southern Division. The three-game lead is the smallest margin between the two teams since May 13th, when the Aeros were 22-7 and maintained a 2.5-game lead over Erie.

The Hangover...Aeros RHP Jeanmar Gomez was roughed up again yesterday, losing for the second straight start since tossing his perfect game May 21st at Trenton (first in franchise history, second nine-inning perfect game in the 86-year history of the Eastern League). Gomez was tagged for seven runs and 12 hits in just four innings yesterday, following his outing against Reading May 26th in which he allowed five runs (four earned) and eight hits over six innings. The native of Caracas, VZ has a 9.90 ERA over those last two starts while opponents are batting .408 (20-49) against him, but prior to these last two performances Gomez had a 0.31 ERA for Akron while holding opposing hitters to a .097 average (9-93). He remains fourth in the Indians minor league system with a 2.71 ERA between Akron and Class A Kinston, and is tied for first with six wins.

Still Waters...You can add RHP Erik Stiller's name to the list of red-hot Akron relievers, as the hard-throwing Princeton University product tossed a pair of shutout frames yesterday and has not allowed a run in his last three appearances out of the Aeros bullpen, covering five innings. The native of Bryan, TX has performed much better as a reliever than as a starter (1-0, 3.50 ERA in 11 relief appearances, 0-3 8.18 ERA in four starts) and is holding left-handed hitters to a .200 batting average (8-40).

Here's Johnny...The Aeros came into yesterday's game against Erie with only 22 active players on their roster (two below the 24-man limit of the Eastern League), and in fact were so short-handed that IF Cristo Arnal had to serve as the bullpen catcher at one point before DH Carlos Santana had a break between at-bats and could take over. The Aeros will have more options today however, as OF John Drennen has returned to the team from Class A Kinston. Drennen was the Opening Day right fielder for the Aeros and hit .191 with a homer and 10 RBI in 21 games before going to Kinston May 12th. He hit .270 with six doubles and more walks (12) than strikeouts (10) in 17 games for the K-Tribe.

Did You Know...Akron no longer holds the best record in professional baseball, but trails the Class AAA Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles, International League) by just 1.5 games. The Aeros are currently tied with the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox, Southern League) for the best record at the Double-A level though.

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Eastern League Stories from June 1, 2009


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