Aerodynamics
Published on July 3, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Divide and Conquer...It was split city Thursday night, as the Aeros and Baysox each took a game in yesterday's doubleheader to even this five-game series at two games apiece heading into tonight's finale. Bowie won game one 3-0 thanks to a seven-inning, complete game shutout from left-hander Brian Matusz, who has now allowed only one earned run in three starts spanning 18.1 innings (0.49 ERA) in the Eastern League. In game two, a three-run homer by C Carlos Santana propelled Akron to a 3-2 victory (RHP Vinnie Pestano notched his league-leading 22nd save in the nightcap). Aeros pitchers struck out 15 Baysox batters while walking only two, and the team improved to 12-4 in doubleheaders this season (four sweeps, four splits). Smooth Santana...The switch-hitting catcher provided the only run support for Akron in the two games yesterday, slugging his 12th home run of the season with two outs and two runners on base in the fifth inning against Bowie starter Fredy Deza. The 23-year-old Santana is batting .269 with 50 RBI in 74 games played, and will represent the Southern Division in the upcoming Eastern League All-Star Game as well as representing the World Team in the XM All-Star Futures Game. He is having a marvelous season with the Aeros and ranks in the top-10 in the league in both on-base percentage (.406) and slugging percentage (.504). Santana is also hitting .364 (4-11) with three walks so far in the series, and remains on pace to shatter the franchise record of 82 walks in a season set by Ken Ramos in 1992. Wonderful Wright...RHP Steven Wright earned the win in game two against Bowie, delivering 2.1 innings of scoreless relief while allowing only a pair of hits. It was the eighth straight scoreless relief appearance for the product of the University of Hawaii, extending his streak to 16.0 consecutive shutout innings. The 24-year-old improved to 6-0 on the season, and in relief he is 5-0 with a 1.27 ERA in 28.1 innings pitched, with 24 strikeouts against only six walks. He has been one of the most consistent relievers for the Aeros this season, despite the fact this is his first full-time stint as a reliever. Wright opened the season as the number-four starter in the Akron rotation before being shifted to a relief role, and has made just 15 career relief appearance, all coming this season (60 career starts in the minor leagues).
Chicks Dig the Small Ball...Akron has scored only 14 runs in its past six games in losing four of six for the first time since May 31st-June 4th. The Aeros have still been able to maintain a 6.5-game lead in the Southern Division however, thanks primarily to the impressive efforts of the pitching staff. In the past 26 games, Akron hurlers are holding opponents to a .196 batting average and allowing only 2.1 runs per game, leading to an 18-8 record. Over this same stretch, the Aeros' offense is scoring 4.1 runs per game and is hitting .272 with runners in scoring position, while also drawing 3.6 walks per game.
Eastern League Stories from July 3, 2009
- Curve Lose Extra Inning Battle - Altoona Curve
- Trenton Crushes Erie - Trenton Thunder
- Fisher Cats Complete Sweep of Mets, Win 10-3 Friday Night - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Garcia Knocks Three Hits in 10-3 Loss - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Sens Use Longball to Pound Connecticut 9-2 - Harrisburg Senators
- Late Inning Fireworks Propel Bowie - Chesapeake Baysox
- Defenders Fall 9-3 - Connecticut Defenders
- Portland Sweeps a Twinbill from the Rock Cats - Portland Sea Dogs
- Aeros Turn First Triple Play in 3-2 Defeat - Akron RubberDucks
- Fourth of July Extravaganza - Altoona Curve
- Wilkin De La Rosa Activated - Trenton Thunder
- Celebrate the holiday weekend with the Senators! - Harrisburg Senators
- Aerodynamics - Akron RubberDucks
- Beautiful Weather, Future Sox, Team USA and Fourth of July Fireworks!!! - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Flooding Brings Associates to Nursing Home - Akron RubberDucks
- Santa Claus Is Coming To Bowie - Chesapeake Baysox
- Prepare For Mustache Madness - Chesapeake Baysox
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