EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Fall to Curve in Rubber Match

Published on May 5, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


ALTOONA, PA - The Akron Aeros dropped the rubber match of a three-game series to the Altoona Curve 4-3 Thursday at Blair County Ballpark.

Left-handed pitcher Matt Packer suffered the loss for the Aeros tossing 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out five.

Aaron Pribanic got the win for the Curve pitching five innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits, striking out three and walking none. Noah Krol earned the save pitching a scoreless top of the ninth inning.

The Curve (13-12) scored first in the bottom of the second inning off Packer. Jordy Mercer led off the frame with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a Tony Sanchez groundout. With one out and Shelby Ford at the plate, Packer uncorked a wild pitch that allowed Mercer to score to give the Curve a 1-0 lead.

The Aeros (13-14) rallied for two in the top of the fourth inning. Chun Chen was hit by a pitch to start the frame. After a John Drennen lineout, Matt McBride connected on a Pribanic pitch hitting a two-run home run to left field. It was McBride's third home run of the season and second in as many days.

The Aeros lead was short lived as the Curve answered in the bottom of the fifth inning. Eric Fryer began the inning with a walk. With one out, Jose Hernandez tripled him home to tie the game. Brock Holt drove in Hernandez on an RBI groundout to give the Curve a 3-2 lead.

Altoona scored again in the bottom of the sixth inning to make it 4-2.

Akron rallied for a run in the top of the seventh inning on a Tim Fedroff RBI double, but that was as close they would get as the Curve won the series.

The Aeros will begin a three-game homestand with the Trenton Thunder Friday night at Canal Park. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. The game can be heard on Fox Sports 1350 AM or online at sportsradio1350.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m.

Friday is also Cajun Toga Party Fireworks courtesy of Pizza Hut, featuring the Sauce Boss. Wear your togas and join in the attempt to break the world record for the largest Toga Party! Plus, see Bill Wharton, "The Sauce Boss", in action as he sings and plays the blues on his guitar before, during, and after the game, while preparing gumbo that fans will be able to sample immediately following the spectacular post-game fireworks show! (For more info on Bill Wharton - aka "The Sauce Boss", visit sauceboss.com).

On Friday, The Aeros, in cooperation with TTR Shipping, will also be collecting the following items to send to the victims of last week's tornados, which devastated Alabama:

. Bottled water, Clothing - new and gently used, Shoes, Toiletries, Cleaning supplies, Non-perishable food items, Dog & cat food, Towels, Bedding, Toys - new or gently used

. URGENT NEED: Diapers, wipes, Baby formula, Adult diapers

Items collected on Friday will be added to a semi-trailer, which leaves Stow on Saturday, headed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and their local Volunteer Services, helping in the relief efforts.

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Eastern League Stories from May 5, 2011


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