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Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Dynamics

July 28, 2003 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


TONIGHT'S CONTEST...The Aeros begin their longest home stand of the season tonight, playing 10 games in 11 days at Canal Park, July 28-August 7...It all begins with a three-game set with the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) tonight at 7:05 p.m...LHP DERRICK VAN DUSEN makes his team-leading 21st start tonight...In his last start, he received a no-decision in the Aeros 5-2 win on July 23 versus Harrisburg (6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO)...Derrick has not won a game since June 28...Since then, he is 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA (22.2 IP, 36 H, 16 R, 10 ER, 7 BB, 14 SO).

RECENTLY...The Aeros return home after a short three-game series at Erie this past weekend...Akron dropped two of three games to the SeaWolves...In that series, Akron pitching struggled, giving up 22 runs on 37 hits in those three games...Yesterday, Akron took a 8-0 lead into the fourth inning, and ended up losing the game 10-9...RHP JOSE VARGAS (3-2) suffered the loss (0.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB).

IN THE STANDINGS...Bowie is fresh off of a three-game sweep of second-place Altoona, which allowed Akron to maintain their 6.0 game lead in the Eastern League's Southern Division...Bowie is 13.5 games behind Akron and 7.5 games behind Altoona for the last playoff spot.

ROSTER MOVE...On Saturday, July 26, the Aeros placed 1B ERIC CROZIER on the Disabled List with a strained lower back (retro to 7/23) and activated OF RYAN CHURCH from the D.L...This is Crozier's first stint on the D.L. this season, although he has been bothered with back problems all season, playing in just 86 of Akron's first 109 games...Church was on the D.L. from July 4-July 26 with a left thumb contusion.

WHO'S HOT...Over his last five appearances, RHP KAZUHITO TADANO is 0-0 with a 1.26 ERA (14.1 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 16 SO)...1B LUIS GONZALEZ currently has an 11-game hitting streak, batting .487 (19-39) with 12 R, 2 2B & 3 RBI...SS HECTOR LUNA has hit safely in nine straight, batting .361 (13-36) with 10 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI & 3 SB...2B JOE INGLETT has reached base safely in 32 straight games...LF NATE GRINDELL has at least one hit in five of his last six games, batting .400 (8-20) over that span, with 2B, HR & 9 RBI.

HOME COOKING...Over their first 13 home games this season, Akron was a dismal 3-10 (.300)...Since then, the Aeros are virtually unbeatable at home, going 30-8 (.789).

POWER OUTAGE...Despite being second in the Eastern League in total home runs, a few Akron players are in a home run slump...3B COREY SMITH hasn't homered since June 9, CF GRADY SIZEMORE hasn't gone deep since June 19 and INF LUIS GONZALEZ hasn't done it since June 28.

AS A TEAM...The Aeros pitching staff leads the Eastern League in strikeouts (749), has allowed the fewest home runs (38) and have recorded the most saves (38)...They are second in ERA (3.14).

HOLDING ON...The Aeros are 49-3 this season when leading after the 7th inning.

DRAWING WELL...Through 49 home openings this season, the Aeros have drawn 311,600 fans to Canal Park for an average of 6,359 fans per game.

LEAGUE LEADERS...RHP FERNANDO CABRERA leads the E.L. in strikeouts (100) and is seventh in ERA (3.03)...RHP FRANCISCO CRUCETA is third in strikeouts (96) and leads the league in complete games (4)...1B LUIS GONZALEZ is ninth in batting (.309).

BOXING AT THE BALLPARK...On Friday, August 8, the Akron Aeros, in conjunction with Pound for Pound promotions, will host the first "Boxing at the Ballpark" event...The event features some of Northeast Ohio's top professional fighters...The card features six bouts...Gates open at 5:30 p.m., the first fight is at 7:00 p.m...Vonda Ward will be on-hand to meet boxing fans and do color commentary...Tickets are available on-line at www.akronaeros.com or charge by phone at (330) 253-5153 or TOLL FREE 800-97-AEROS.

UPCOMING GAMES

TUESDAY, JULY 29 @ 7:05 P.M.

BOWIE BAYSOX vs. AKRON AEROS

RHP FERNANDO RIJO (3-9, 5.02 ERA) vs. RHP FRANCISCO CRUCETA (8-8, 3.63 ERA)

Promotion: Haven of Rest Personal Care Item Drive

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 @ 7:05 P.M.

BOWIE BAYSOX vs. AKRON AEROS

RHP MIKE PARADIS (4-7, 5.51 ERA) vs. LHP KEITH RAMSEY (1-0, 3.00 ERA)

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