EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aerodynamics

Published on June 10, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Dramatic Return Home...Akron kicked off a six-game home stand last night with their the 37th victory of the season, utilizing the eighth-inning heroics of RF John Drennen for the win over visiting New Hampshire (27-32). After a two-run second inning for the Aeros against Fisher Cats starter Luis Perez, the score remained 2-1 until the top of the eighth when New Hampshire rallied. Reliever Steven Wright inherited a bases-loaded, no-out jam but prevented New Hampshire from taking the lead by inducing a double play (which plated the tying run) and recording a strikeout, giving the offense a chance to respond. Akron then did exactly that, as Drennen lined a two-run homer into the bleachers in right field to put the Aeros ahead to stay.

Delivering the Difference...Drennen's game-winner last night was just the latest big hit for the native of San Diego, as he has been smoking hot since coming back up to Akron from Class A Kinston June 1st. Drennen is batting .353 (12-34) during his past nine contests, while smacking eight extra-base hits and gathering 16 RBI for an absolutely astounding .735 slugging percentage. Just last night alone he went 3-3 with a hit by pitch and three RBI, and was only a triple away from being the first Aero in six years to hit for the cycle. Cleveland's supplemental first-round draft pick in 2005 out of Rancho Bernardo H.S. is now batting .245 in 30 games for Akron this season, with three home runs and 26 RBI.

Quality Matters...Starting pitcher Josh Tomlin delivered his team-leading sixth quality start of the season last night against the Fisher Cats, going six innings and allowing his only run on a solo home run in the first inning. Tomlin handcuffed New Hampshire to just five hits and a walk on the night, striking out four and retiring the final seven batters he faced. It was a nice bounce-back performance from the Texas Tech product despite the no-decision, as the right-hander had lost each of his last three starts after winning five straight decisions from April 17th to May 19th. It was the fourth time this season Tomlin had pitched at least 6.0 innings while allowing exactly one run, all Akron victories.

Missed Connections...Neither team fared well with men in scoring position, but the Aeros at least got something going in run-producing opportunities. Akron finished 3-14 with men in scoring position, while New Hampshire went 0-9 in the category. The Aeros couldn't cash in on bases-loaded chances in either the fourth or fifth innings and left 11 runners on base overall, including seven in scoring position. The Fisher Cats left the bases loaded in the second and fourth frames and stranded nine runners overall, with five men left in scoring position.

A Sigh of Relief...Wright's escape job in the eighth inning moved him to 5-0 on the season, and Aeros relievers are now 15-5 on the year with a 3.82 ERA. Drennen's bomb then enabled closer Vinnie Pestano to finish the game in the ninth for his Eastern League-leading 15th save of the season in only 18 opportunities, and his third save in as many appearances.

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Eastern League Stories from June 10, 2009


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