EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Take Series with Squirrels, Win 3-2

Published on June 24, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - The Aeros defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels Thursday afternoon at Canal Park by the final score of 3-2 despite three fielding errors and a 19-minute rain delay. The rubber match of this three-game series turned into a drawn-out pitcher's duel between Squirrels ace Daryl Maday and a slew of Akron pitchers. A decisive RBI single from left fielder John Drennen then was the difference yet again in front of 4,946 fans with the special 12:05 p.m. start time. With the win, the Aeros are now even at 36-36 on the season while division rival Richmond (33-40) has lost 18 of their last 24 games.

Brief yet heavy rainfall pounded the Canal Park field in the top of the second inning with lefty starter Nick Hagadone pitching against the Squirrels. The delay lasted just under 20 minutes and the Akron offense started the scoring in the bottom half of that frame.

Drennen hit into the first of many double plays on the day before Carlos Rivero and Jerad Head each collected two-out singles. Left fielder Tim Fedroff and catcher Miguel Perez followed with run-scoring base hits to move the Aeros on top by the score of 2-0.

The lead would not last for long as the Flying Squirrels retaliated in the top half of the third. Leadoff DH Darren Ford singled to left, stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch before Brandon Crawford drew a walk. Ford then scored on yet another Hagadone wild throw and Thomas Neal made it 2-2 with an RBI liner to center.

Continuing the early offense, the Aeros took the lead for good in the bottom of that inning. Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall each singled to start a rally while Matt McBride hit into a fielder's choice. Drennen followed with the game-winner on a liner to center, scoring Kipnis and giving the Akron pitching staff all the run support they would need.

Only one runner would reach third base in the final six frames of the contest as Richmond stranded 10 men total on base and the hosts hit into a season-high four double plays.

Bryan Price (2-2) earned the win in relief for as he pitched two shutout innings with two strikeouts in relief of Hagadone. Maday (8-4) entered the game with the best ERA in the Eastern League but took the loss by allowing 11 hits over 7.2 innings pitched. Steven Wright also earned his third save of the year as he along with Price and Connor Graham provided six frames of one-hit shutout relief for the Aeros overall.

McBride and Drennen each finished with a pair of singles as in fact, every single Akron batter collected a base hit in the game. In fact, all 16 hits in the contest between both teams were singles and the Aeros are now 7-3-1 in their last 11 series.

This weeklong home stand continues at Canal Park Friday night as Akron welcomes the Binghamton Mets to the Rubber City. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. and all fans can enjoy the fourth fireworks spectacular of the season following the contest, sponsored by ACME Bakeries. Alex White (2-3, 2.08 ERA) looks to rebound from back-to-back tough defeats for the Aeros against B-Mets left-hander Mike Antonini (4-5, 4.11 ERA). Tomorrow night's game broadcast begins 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 June 24, 2010


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