Aeros Rally Late in 4-3 Win
August 25, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
BOWIE, MD - Carlos Rivero opened the top of the ninth inning with a base hit and came around to score the winning run on an RBI fielder's choice by Jared Goedert as the Aeros claimed a 4-3 victory over Bowie in the opener of a four-game series before 1,969 fans at Prince George's Stadium Tuesday night. Akron improved to 79-49 and matched its season-high at 30 games over .500, while also eliminating the Baysox from division title consideration (Bowie can still earn the wild card). Coupled with Reading's 8-5 win over Erie, the Aeros can clinch a playoff spot Wednesday night by either sweeping the doubleheader from the Baysox or winning one game and having Reading win again over the SeaWolves.
Akron opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the top of the second, as Matt McBride was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Lonnie Chisenhall lined to right, but singles from Rivero and John Drennen loaded the bases with one down and Armando Camacaro gave the Aeros a 1-0 lead with an RBI single to center. Jose Constanza followed with a liner to center to score Rivero and make it 2-0, although it was technically a fielder's choice as Drennen misread the ball off the bat and was thrown out trying to go to third.
Bowie answered back with the two tying runs in the bottom of the third, although it could have been much worse. Three straight singles loaded the bases with no outs, but Aeros starter (and former Baysox hurler) Bobby Livingston limited the damage to just a pair of sacrifice flies from Josh Bell and Ambiorix Concepcion.
The Aeros pulled back in front by a run in the sixth as back-to-back doubles by McBride and Chisenhall made it a 3-2 game, but the Baysox answered again in the bottom of the seventh as Danny Figueroa drew a one-out walk from reliever Zach Putnam and twin brother Paco Figueroa doubled him home to tie the game at 3-3.
Akron would reclaim the lead for good in the top of the ninth however, as Rivero ripped a base hit to left to start the inning. Drennen followed with a sacrifice bunt attempt in front of the plate that Bowie catcher Steve Torrealba pounced on, but he hesitated in making the throw to second and the indecision cost him as Rivero was just able to slide in safely. Camacaro then moved both runners up 90 feet with a sacrifice, and the Baysox intentionally walked Constanza to load the bases and set up a force at the plate. Goedert spoiled that strategy however, grounding a ball sharply to the left side that shortstop Carlos Rojas smothered with a diving attempt, but his only play was a force at third base as Rivero scored the deciding run.
Putnam (4-2) blew the save but earned the win, giving up a run and a hit in two innings of work. His lone walk came around to score, and he struck out four. James Hoey (2-6) took the loss for Bowie, allowing a run on two hits in two innings. Neil Wagner entered for the ninth and struck out the side for his second save. Both starters pitched well in taking no-decisions, as Livingston held his former mates to two runs in six innings and Sox starter Tim Bascom allowed three runs in seven frames. Rivero paced the offense with a pair of singles and two runs scored, while McBride also scored twice.
Games two and three in this four-game series are set for a doubleheader Wednesday night, with game one starting at 6:05 p.m. Jeanmar Gomez (10-3, 3.06 ERA) is expected to start game one for Akron while Connor Graham (1-2, 4.07 ERA) will take the hill in game two. The game broadcast begins at 5:50 p.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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