EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros, Indians Pitching Dominates Curve

Published on May 21, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - Aeros starter David Huff continued to impose his will on opposing hitters, combining with Indians closer Joe Borowski and Aeros closer Randy Newsom to knock off Altoona 4-1 in front 7,241 fans at Canal Park Wednesday. The Aeros jumped their record to .500 for the first time this season at 21-21 and also earned their first three-game winning streak of the year. The Curve fell to 15-27 and have won just five of their last 22 games.

Akron snagged three runs in the first inning off Altoona starter Yoslan Herrera. Trevor Crowe led off with a double and scored on a wild play in which he went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a throwing error by catcher Milver Reyes. Later in the inning, Matt Whitney drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run and Ryan Goleski laced an RBI single for a 3-0 Aeros advantage that the pitching would not relinquish.

The Curve got to Huff for their only run in the third, when Luis Cruz tagged Huff's fourth pitch of the inning over the wall in left for his second homer of the season. The Aeros answered back in the bottom of the inning however, using two walks and a single to load the bases with one down. Brandon Pinckney then came through with a single, plating Stephen Head for a 4-1 lead and the final tally of the night. The hit also extended Pinckney's team-high hitting streak to 12 games.

After Akron rode the arm of Kevin Dixon for eight shutout innings and Newsom for a scoreless ninth Tuesday night, it was nearly the same story in this game. Huff departed after seven magnificent innings and the rehabbing Borowski came on in the eighth to set up Newsom. Borowski, on Cleveland's 15-day disabled list since April 15th while recovering from a right triceps strain, allowed just a bloop single and struck out one in his solid inning of work, picking up a hold.

Huff (4-1) earned the win for Akron, surrendering just one run on four hits in seven frames, striking out six and walking none. The reigning Bank of America Eastern League Pitcher of the Week has allowed just five earned runs in his last 45 innings (1.00 ERA), spanning seven appearances. Herrera (3-4) made it through just 2.1 innings and allowed four runs and five hits, while also walking four. Newsom earned his league-leading 13th save in as many chances with a shutout ninth, and lowered his ERA to 0.95 with his 14th consecutive scoreless appearance.

The Aeros will look for their first series sweep of the season Thursday morning at 10:35 a.m. as they conclude this four-game set with Altoona. Lefty Chuck Lofgren (1-3, 5.59 ERA) will go up against Altoona's Josh Hill (3-4, 4.42 ERA). Thursday is Roadway Education Day at Canal Park, and Friday night Cleveland Indians starter Jake Westbrook will make a rehab start (six innings/90 pitches) for Akron. Thursday's game broadcast begins at 10:20 a.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

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Eastern League Stories from May 21, 2008


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