EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Outlast Curve in Slugfest, 8-7

Published on June 8, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Akron, OH -Akron's Ben Copeland had two hits and three RBI's and made a game-saving catch for the final out Friday night, as the Aeros slipped by the Altoona Curve in the opening game of a three-game series at Canal Park.

It was the 10th straight home win for the Aeros (37-20), who maintained a 5 =C21/2 game lead in the EL West.

Copeland stroked a two-run single in the seventh inning off Curve reliever Logan Kensing to tie the game at 4-4. He later scored on a wild pitch to give the Aeros a 5-4 lead.

In a game that featured five lead changes, Aeros designated hitter Michel Hernandez ripped a two-run single in the eighth to give the Aeros a 7-5 lead. Copeland followed with a double to left to score Hernandez for his third RBI and an 8-5 lead.

In addition to his offense, Copeland contributed two key plays defensively. In the top of the eighth with the score deadlocked at 5-5, he caught a fly ball in right and fired to the plate in time to nail Altoona's Jeremy Farrell at the plate for a double-play to end the inning. That play set the stage for Hernandez's go-ahead single.

Then, in the ninth, after the Curve scored twice against Aeros reliever Bryce Stowell to pull to within 8-7, Copeland made a diving catch on a sinking line drive near the foul line in right field to end the ball game, stranding runners at first and second.

Stowell earned his first save of the season, and preserved a win for Kyle Landis, who worked the eighth. Landis (3-1) stranded a pair of inherited runners thanks to Copeland's double play.

Akron's Nick Weglarz homered to give the Aeros an early 1-0 lead. It was his fifth homer of the year.

Altoona's Miles Durham enjoyed a spectacular night, going 4-4, with a triple, double and two singles. He also walked.

The Aeros and Curve will continue the series on Saturday night at 7:05. RHP Brandon Cumpton (7-4, 3.12) is the scheduled starter for the Curve, while LHP T.J. House (4-1, 2.82) will tstart for Akron. All Aeros games are broadcast on Fox Sports 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 June 8, 2012


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