Aerodynamics
Published on June 3, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Tuesday Trouble...The Aeros lost a mid-game lead as Reading exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the seventh last night, bowing to the Phillies 12-5 in game two of this four-game series. The defeat marked the eighth loss in 12 games for Akron, while Reading's 12 runs, 14 hits, and eight runs in an inning were all season-highs allowed by Aeros pitching. Starter Ryan Edell allowed four runs and seven hits in 5.2 innings while tying his career-high with nine strikeouts and departed with the lead, but reliever Zach Putnam was roughed up for five hits, three walks, and all eight runs in the decisive rally.
Power Surge...C Carlos Santana's two home runs last night marked the third time in the past week that an Aero collected two homers in a single game. This feat had not occurred through the first 43 games of the season, and Akron as a team hit only 20 dingers total in those contests. The Aeros have socked eight home runs in the past seven games however, highlighted by a pair from Nick Weglarz May 27th against Reading, two from Beau Mills May 29th at Erie, and Santana's in the first and fifth innings last night. The Aeros rank fourth in the EL with 4.74 runs per game despite being ninth in homers (28) and 10th in slugging (.361).
Slugging Santana...After smacking two doubles in Monday's victory over the Phillies, Santana became the first Akron player to have back-to-back games with at least two extra-base hits with the two home runs last night. The switch-hitter now leads the team with 12 doubles, nine home runs and 35 RBI, while also ranking second in the Eastern League in on-base percentage (.424) and fourth in slugging percentage (.566). Santana is also batting .341 (30-88) in his last 29 games.
Pitching Problems...Yesterday's game was the fifth consecutive game in which the Aeros allowed at least 10 hits, and opponents are averaging 8.8 runs per game over this stretch with three instances of double-digit scoring efforts. In fact, since Jeanmar Gomez's perfect game at Trenton May 21st opponents are hitting .299 against Akron pitching and the Aeros have a team ERA of 5.83 in the last 12 games. In the first 38 games of the year, opponents batted just .226 off Akron hurlers while the pitching staff compiled a 2.83 team ERA. McBride's Mark...OF Matt McBride remains on top of the Cleveland Indians organizational rankings in both batting average (.335), and RBI (46, seventh in MiLB). The Bethlehem, PA native and Lehigh University product is hitting .216 with 10 RBI in 21 games with the Aeros after leading the Carolina League with a .405 average and 35 RBI in only 31 games for Class A Kinston before being promoted May 12th. He is on a three-game hitting streak and is batting .292 in his seven starts at right field for Akron, although he will miss his second straight start tonight after colliding with Jose Constanza in the outfield Monday.
Eastern League Stories from June 3, 2009
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- Curve Win Slugfest 10-8 - Altoona Curve
- Trenton Blanks Bowie - Trenton Thunder
- Fisher Cats Lose 4-0 Wednesday Night at Harrisburg - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Harrisburg Beats New Hampshire - Harrisburg Senators
- âDogs Beat Mets 5-4 - Portland Sea Dogs
- Defenders Fall 2-1 - Connecticut Defenders
- Montero Promoted From Tampa to Trenton - Trenton Thunder
- Erie SeaWolves vs. Altoona Curve...Game Three of Four - Erie SeaWolves
- Dunkin' Donuts to Launch 'Dunkin' Dugout' Program through Partnership With Sea Dogs - Portland Sea Dogs
- Cleveland Indians' Jake Westbrook to Start Saturday vs. Altoona - Altoona Curve
- Aerodynamics - Akron RubberDucks
- Timbers Battle Montreal Thursday at PGE Park - Portland Sea Dogs
- Minnesota Twins Tryout Camp in New Britain - New Britain Rock Cats
- Suarez Returns to Roster - Portland Sea Dogs
- Fisher Cats Promotions! - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Rock Cats Receive Two Promising Pitchers - New Britain Rock Cats
- Altoona Curve Game Notes - Altoona Curve
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