EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Fall Again, Altoona Cruises to 5-1 Win

August 4, 2010 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


ALTOONA, PA - The Aeros lost for the fifth straight game Wednesday night at Altoona, dropping by the final score of 5-1 against the first-place Curve. A crowd of 3,640 fans at Blair County Ballpark saw Akron muster just two hits overall, both by red-hot second baseman Jason Kipnis, while new starter Corey Kluber struggled in his Indians organizational debut. With the loss, the Aeros (56-53) are now in sole possession of fourth place in the Western Division and Altoona improved to 64-46 on the season.

Altoona ace Rudy Owens was dominant but surrendered the lone run in the top of the first inning. After retiring center fielder Jordan Henry to start the game, Kipnis followed with his seventh home run on a deep shot to right field to give Akron its only lead.

Left fielder Lucas Montero threw out Chase d'Arnaud at home on a play at the plate in the first but the Curve tied the score in the second. A double by Miles Durham preceded a run-scoring error by Carlos Rivero, knotting the game at one run each.

Kluber allowed the hosts to take the lead for good in the next inning, as he walked Andrew Lambo with one out before a single, a double and another walk. Anthony Norman then delivered a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing the advantage to 3-1.

The Curve knocked Kluber out of the contest in the fourth as d'Arnaud and Josh Harrison each singled to begin the frame. Matt Hague later provided the RBI on a single to left field, scoring d'Arnaud before the team stranded the bases loaded. Altoona's final run came in the bottom of the seventh on another sac fly by Harrison.

Owens (9-6) earned the victory Wednesday, retiring the final 17 batters he faced following the first inning home run by Kipnis. Kluber (0-1) took the loss in permitting four runs (three earned) on eight hits with five walks against four strikeouts in his four innings pitched. The Indians acquired the right-hander from the San Diego Padres in last week's Jake Westbrook trade while Tom Boleska recorded his second with three shutout frames.

Kipnis finished the night 2-for-4 with his 13th home run combined between Class A Kinston and Akron this year as well as a seventh inning triple. Henry's 10-game hitting streak ended and it was just the second time this season the Aeros collected less than three hits.

Altoona looks for the four-game sweep in the series finale Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at Blair County Ballpark. Left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz (4-5, 4.73 ERA) hopes to end the Akron losing streak against Altoona lefty Tony Watson (3-1, 2.90 ERA). Join Ken Carman for Thursday's radio broadcast beginning at 6:45 p.m. on Fox Sports 1350 AM and at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

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