EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Let Two Leads Slip Away, Fall to Squirrels 8-6

Published on August 20, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Akron Aeros let two one-run leads slip away in the bottom of the third and sixth innings as they lost game two of a three-game series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels 8-6 Saturday at The Diamond.

Right-handed pitcher Adam Miller allowed the lead to slip away in the sixth and suffered the loss for Akron pitching two thirds of an inning, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits, walking two and striking out one. Right-hander Brett Brach made the start for the Aeros tossing five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out two.

Left-handed pitcher Wilmin Rodriguez recorded the win for Richmond pitching a scoreless inning of relief, allowing two hits and striking out three while walking none. Righty Heath Hembree got the last three outs to earn the save.

Karexon Sanchez broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning with a solo home run that gave the Aeros a 1-0 lead.

The lead was short lived as the Flying Squirrels (67-58) answered in the bottom of the frame. Wendell Fairley tripled to open the inning and scored on a Skyler Stromsmoe single to tie it 1-1. Stromsmoe advanced to second on a throwing error following a strike out and moved to third on a wild pitch. Stromsmoe later scored on a Francisco Peguero sacrifice fly to give Richmond a 2-1 lead.

The Aeros (65-61) answered to tie it in the top of the fourth inning. Kyle Bellows opened with a double and advanced to third on a Raul Padron sacrifice bunt. Michel Hernandez singled him home to tie it 2-2.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Flying Squirrels retook the lead. Stromsmoe singled and Darren Ford reached on a fielder's choice to open the frame. Following a sacrifice bunt that moved the runners to second and third, Stromsmoe scored on a Peguero sacrifice fly to give the Flying Squirrels a 3-2 lead. Roger Kieschnick followed with a two-run home run that made it 5-2.

Akron answered in the next half inning. Michel Hernandez opened the frame with a walk and advanced to third on back-to-back singles from Sanchez and Jordan Henry. Following a strike out, Hernandez scored when Ben Copeland grounded into a force out to make it 5-3. Chun Chen followed with a three-run home run to give the Aeros a 6-5 lead.

Richmond again rallied in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out, Johnny Monell and Fairley had back-to-back singles and Stromsmoe walked to load the bases. Following a strikeout, Charlie Culberson singled home Monell to tie the game 6-6. Peguero walked to force home Fairley and give the Flying Squirrels a 7-6 lead. Following a pitching change, Stromsmoe scored on a fielding error as Richmond went on to the win.

The Aeros and Flying Squirrels will play the rubber match of this three-game series on Sunday. Akron will give the ball to right-handed pitcher Steve Wright, who is 1-2 with a 6.33 ERA in 2011. He will face left-handed pitcher Eric Surkamp, who is 9-4 with a 2.14 ERA this season. First pitch is at 5:05 p.m. The game can be heard on Fox Sports 1350 AM or online at sportsradio1350.com. Coverage begins at 4:50 p.m.

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Eastern League Stories from August 20, 2011


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