EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Crash in Homestand Finale, 4-1

Published on June 9, 2013 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Akron- After an out-of-this-world start to the homestand, the Akron Aeros finally returned to Earth on Sunday afternoon, as the team came up just short of their second straight sweep, falling to the Portland Sea Dogs, 4-1 at Canal Park.

Teaming up offensively to take care of the Aeros were shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Michael Alamanzar, who combined to knock in three of the four Portland runs.

Meanwhile, the Aeros (31-32) had their chances all afternoon, but couldn't come up with the timely hitting necessary to top the Sea Dogs (32-28). Delivering a strong performance on the hill for Akron was Will Roberts (4-3), who went six complete innings, allowing two runs off three hits, while striking out four and walking two.

But outdueling Roberts on this day was Portland starter Keith Couch, who was equally as impressive on the mound, going five complete innings, yielding just one run off three hits, striking out three and walking a lone batter.

Akron was able to get to Couch in the fifth, after DH Adam Abraham slashed an RBI-double to the gap in right-center to tie things up at one. Abraham would advance to third on a Giovanny Urshela sac-fly to center, but would be stranded with just one out in the inning. It would be the second straight inning that a runner would be left on third with just out for the Aeros. In total, Akron left 6 runners on base for the afternoon, while batting just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

A bright spot for the Aeros offensively was shortstop Ronny Rodriguez, who picked up two hits on the afternoon and extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Rodriguez is hitting a combined .423 (22-52) during that stretch.

Portland would draw first blood Sunday afternoon, as the Sea Dogs were able to push a run across off Roberts after they loaded the bases with one out in the top of the fourth inning.

After Akron plated the tying run in the fifth, Portland took the lead for good, as Bogaerts smashed a triple off the rightfield fence and was immediately brought home by an Almanzar sac-fly to center. The duo was at it again in the eighth, as they drove in a pair of insurance runs for the Sea Dogs off back-to-back hits against Aeros reliever Trey Haley, thus putting the game out of reach for Akron at 4-1.

The loss snaps a five-game winning streak for the Aeros, which was the longest of the season.

Akron will hit the road to open a six-game road trip, starting in New Hampshire on Tuesday night. LHP Matt Packer (3-5, 3.22 ERA) is the announced starter for Akron, while RHP Marcus Walden (4-6, 3.25 ERA) is the expected starter for New Hampshire. First pitch is set for 6:35, as the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and online at www.sportsradio1350.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at 330-253-5151. Follow the team on Twitter @akronaeros or on Facebook at facebook.com/theakronaeros.

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Eastern League Stories from June 9, 2013


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