EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Stay Hot with 10-1 Blowout over Erie

Published on July 9, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


ERIE, PA - Designated hitter Matt McBride and first baseman Beau Mills led the Aeros to their largest victory of the season Friday night in Erie, dominating the SeaWolves by the final score of 10-1. A crowd of 3,541 fans at Jerry Uht Park witnessed McBride and Mills each collect three hits and combining for five RBI, leading for the way for the 13 hits totaled by the Aeros offense. The victory was the eighth in 11 contests for now-streaking Akron (44-43), snapping a four-game winning streak by the SeaWolves (36-52).

The outpour began early as the Aeros scored in the top of the first against Erie lefty starter Ramon Garcia. Second baseman Jason Kipnis singled, advanced to second on a groundout and scored on a double down the left-field line by McBride. The Wolves responded to tie the score at 1-1 in the second on a solo homer by Michael Bertram.

It was all Akron after that as McBride, Mills and shortstop Carlos Rivero hit three straight singles to load the bases in the fourth inning. A wild pitch advanced all three runners, right fielder Jerad Head provided a sacrifice fly while catcher Damaso Espino ended Garcia's night and gave the visitors a commanding 4-1 advantage with another single to right.

A single by McBride then helped to load the bases again in a four-run seventh with just one out, and Mills scored two on a hit up the middle. An error by Erie shortstop Cale Iorg then plated another run and a Tim Fedroff groundout brought home Mills.

Leading 8-1 entering the ninth, the Akron offense seemed done for the night but Mills still had one opportunity to shine. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall drew a leadoff walk, McBride struck out and then Mills unloaded with a two-run homer to left on a full count against SeaWolves reliever Lester Oliveros, the team's fifth pitcher of the night.

Eastern League All-Star Paolo Espino (8-3) earned the win in the start for the Aeros, allowing just four hits and three walks in five innings pitched with five strikeouts. His only mistake was the home run ball by Bertram and Garcia (0-5) took the loss after lasting just 3.2 innings. Right-hander Chen-Cheng Lee was dominant out of the pen for Akron, facing the minimum in three innings while striking out six and permitting one walk.

The number four and five hitters in the Akron lineup, the combination of McBride and Mills led the way for the offensive showcase. McBride finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a double, collecting a single RBI to pad to his team-leading 47 this season. Mills homered for the third time in seven games, driving home four runs with three runs scored and a walk. Center fielder Jordan Henry also had two hits and the previous high for a margin of victory by the team this season was eight, set Monday night against the Trenton Thunder.

This four-game weekend wraparound series right before the Eastern League All-Star Break continues Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Jerry Uht Park. The Aeros hope to continue their hot streak with ace Alex White (3-4, 1.70 ERA) on the mound starting against left-hander Duane Below (3-7, 4.84 ERA) of the SeaWolves. Join Jim Clark for Saturday night's radio broadcast from beginning at 6:50 p.m. on Fox Sports 1350 AM and at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

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Eastern League Stories from July 9, 2010


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