EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Late Rally Falls Short as They Drop Their Third Straight

Published on July 26, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - The Akron Aeros rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but could not overcome three errors as they lost game two of a three-game series against the Trenton Thunder 4-3 Tuesday at Canal Park.

With the loss, the Aeros (54-50) have dropped three in a row for the first time since May 24-26.

Left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland suffered the loss for Akron pitching five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and striking out six while walking two.

Right-handed pitcher Craig Heyer recorded the win for Trenton tossing six innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits and striking out six while walking two. Right-hander Chase Whitley got the last three outs to earn the save.

The Thunder (55-48) got things started in the top of the second inning. Melky Mesa led off with a single. Cristo Arnal booted a Zolio Almonte groundball and then overthrew first allowing Mesa to get to third base. Mesa came across to score on a Jose Pirela single to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead.

Trenton added to their one-run lead in the top of the fourth inning. With one out, Pirela and Damon Sublett rapped back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second. On an Addison Maruszak ground ball, Arnal committed his third error as the Thunder loaded the bases. Ray Kruml followed with an infield single scoring Pirela and giving Trenton a 2-0 lead. Sublett scored when Corban Joseph grounded into a force out to make it 3-0.

The Thunder grabbed a key run in the top of the sixth inning on a Joseph RBI single to increase the lead to 4-0.

The Aeros rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning. Donnie Webb led off with a walk and advanced to third on a Ben Copeland single. Following the single, Heyer was replaced by Josh Romanski, who allowed an RBI single to Raul Padron giving Akron their first run. Webb advanced to third on the single and then scored when Maruszak dropped the relay throw at third to make it 4-2. Following a ground out, Karexon Sanchez doubled home Padron to cut the Thunder lead to 4-3.

That, however, was as close as they would get as Trenton held off a late charge to win.

The Aeros will look to avoid the sweep at the hands of the Thunder on Wednesday. Akron will give the ball to right-handed pitcher Joe Gardner, who is 7-7 with a 4.79 ERA in 2011. He will face left-handed pitcher Manny Banuelos, who is 3-5 with a 3.74 ERA this season. First pitch is set for 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.

Wednesday is Animal Palooza presented by Camp Bow Wow. Bring your pet to Canal Park! We welcome furry friends of all shapes and sizes. The night's activities will support the Humane Society of Greater Akron. It is also Look! My Dog is GREEN! $1,000 Giveaway. Random hot dog purchases will include cash for fans. Wednesday night it really does pay to eat hot dogs!

Finally, there will be an American Red Cross Blood Drive at Canal Park from 5-9 p.m. All donors will receive two tickets to an upcoming Aeros game.

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Eastern League Stories from July 26, 2011


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