EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Sweep Wolves with 3-2 Victory

Published on June 3, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - Pitching was the story Thursday as the Aeros defeated the Erie SeaWolves 3-2 to complete the three-game series sweep. A 45-minute rain delay interrupted action in the second inning for the 1,454 fans at Canal Park but Akron pitchers dominated after that. The sweep was the first of the year for the Aeros (24-30) while the SeaWolves (25-29) lost for the 13th time in their last 15 games.

It was a back-and-forth offensive battle in the first few innings before the downpour. Hot-hitting third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall recorded an infield single with one out in the bottom of the first and an error by Erie third baseman Audy Ciriaco brought another runner on base. Right fielder Matt McBride then delivered a towering RBI double into left-center field and Mills made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to center.

Erie responded in the top of the second as first baseman Michael Bertram singled up the middle past lefty starter Scott Barnes to lead off the frame. He then stole second base later in the inning and Cale Iorg battled back from a 0-2 count to earn a two-out walk. Catcher Andy Bouchie followed with a two-run double, tying the contest at two runs each.

Just after the SeaWolves tied the game, the powerful rain pelted Canal Park and the game stopped at 7:45 p.m. in downtown Akron. Forty-five minutes later, and after a marvelous performance by the Aeros grounds crew, play resumed with both starting pitchers remaining in the game.

Another fielding error by Ciriaco plagued Erie again and enabled Akron to take the lead for good. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth, Rivero doubled on a shot to the wall in right field. Cord Phelps then hit a routine groundball to Ciriaco at third, but it went right through his legs for the error to score Rivero and provide the game-winning run.

No Erie base runner reached second base in the final five frames as neither team could produce much offensively. The only credible rally in the later stages of the game was in sixth for the Aeros when McBride and Mills led off with back-to-back singles. SeaWolves reliever Ramon Garcia then worked out of the jam, leaving both runners on base.

Aeros reliever Chen-Change Lee (2-3) earned the win in relief as he struck out three and allowed just one hit in two innings. Erie starter Duane Below (2-5) allowed three runs although just one earned run in the loss. Barnes lasted just four innings on the night but recorded six strikeouts and the Akron bullpen was incredible again, finishing with 12.1 shutout innings in the three-game series sweep.

McBride and catcher Damaso Espino were the only two Aeros with two hits but it was still enough for the win. The middle infield combination of Rivero and Chisenhall each extended their personal hitting streaks to seven and five games, respectively.

The Aeros hit the road Friday for the beginning of a weekend series with the Harrisburg Senators with the opener scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Akron left-hander Eric Berger (1-4, 7.67 ERA) will match up against Harrisburg righty Andrew Kown (1-0, 3.86 ERA) as the Aeros look to continue this recent hot streak. You can listen to Jim Clark for Friday's game broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM and on www.akronaeros.com starting at 6:50 p.m. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

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Eastern League Stories from June 3, 2010


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