EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Aeros Turn First Triple Play in 3-2 Defeat

Published on July 3, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


BOWIE, MD - Akron turned a triple play for the first time in franchise history Friday night at Prince George's Stadium, yet the superb defense wasn't enough as Bowie claimed the finale of the five-game series 3-2. The Baysox improved to 45-36 while the Aeros lost for the fifth time in seven games and slipped to 52-28.

The triple play came in the bottom of the fourth inning and short-circuited a promising Bowie rally. Ambiorix Concepcion opened the inning with a double, and Aeros starter Josh Tomlin plunked Guillermo Rodriguez to put runners at first and second with no one out. Daniel Figueroa then popped up a sacrifice bunt attempt as Tomlin made the catch for the first out, fired to shortstop Carlos Rivero to double off Concepcion for the second out, and Rivero's throw to first baseman Matt McBride was in time to double off Rodriguez. It marked the first triple play in team history, dating to 1989 when the club moved to Canton.

All three hitters involved in the triple play factored into the opening salvo for Bowie just two innings before, as Concepcion's double in the bottom of the second gave the Baysox runners at second and third with only one out. Rodriguez then started the scoring with an RBI groundout before Figueroa followed with an RBI double to stake Bowie to a 2-0 lead.

Akron answered right back in the top of the third however, striking for the tying two runs despite missing out on a chance to take the lead. A walk and a single opened the inning, and with one out Jose Constanza dropped a single into left field. Jonathan Tucker delivered a terrific throw to the plate though, cutting down Rivero and keeping the Aeros off the board for the time being. Cristo Arnal followed with a run-scoring single to get Akron on the board however, and after Nick Weglarz was hit by a pitch to load the bases Bowie's Tim Bascom walked Carlos Santana to force in the tying run and even the contest at 2-2.

The Aeros had chances to take the lead, but couldn't capitalize on a leadoff double from John Drennen in the top of the fourth, a leadoff single from Constanza in the fifth, or a leadoff base hit from Weglarz in the eighth. Bowie finally broke through in the bottom of the eighth, as Robert Valido's leadoff single knocked Tomlin from the game. Matt Meyer came on in relief and surrendered a sacrifice to Eric Crozier before Mike Costanzo spoiled the lefty-lefty matchup with the go-ahead RBI single to center.

James Hoey (1-2) earned the win for Bowie with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, while Tomlin (8-5) suffered the loss despite turning in his team-leading eighth quality start. The Texan went seven-plus innings, scattering nine hits and allowing just three runs. He walked one and struck out three. Josh Perrault entered in the ninth for the Baysox and retired the side in order for his 15th save. Constanza finished the evening 2-4 and was the only Aero with a multiple-hit night, although Santana did draw two walks.

Akron's weeklong road trip continues Saturday night with the opener of a four-game series in Harrisburg (including a doubleheader Sunday). Saturday's affair gets underway at 7 p.m., with Jeanmar Gomez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) expected to go for the Aeros against Luis Atilano (4-4, 4.87 ERA) of the Senators. The game broadcast begins at 6:45 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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Eastern League Stories from July 3, 2009


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