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Akron Homers Thrice in 4-1 Win Over Altoona

July 19, 2010 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - The Akron Aeros slugged three solo home runs Monday night in a crucial 4-1 victory over the first-place Altoona Curve at Canal Park. Rehabbing Cleveland Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, red-hot right fielder Matt McBride and left fielder Jerad Head all homered as Akron won for the fifth straight game. Aeros right-handed starter Alex White also earned the victory with yet another quality start in front of a crowd of 3,797 fans on "Ship out LeBron James" night. The win improved Akron (50-45) to a season-high five games over .500 for the year while the Curve fell to 57-37.

The scoring began in the first against dominant Altoona lefty Rudy Owens. The starter allowed a one-out single to second baseman Jason Kipnis before a fielder's choice and a base hit from another rehabbing Cleveland star in designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo. McBride then delivered the RBI on a single to left, giving the Aeros a quick 1-0 lead.

Akron's home run brigade began in the bottom of the fourth against Owens as McBride led off the inning. He promptly smashed the second pitch into the canal in left field, increasing the advantage to two runs with his team-leading 15th homer.

The Curve finally responded against White to cut their deficit to 2-1 in the top of the fifth inning. Right fielder Miles Durham singled to left with two outs and Anthony Norman's single placed runners on first and third base. White followed by sailing a pitch over catcher Damaso Espino, moving up both runners and tightening up the game.

Cabrera then began the bottom half of that inning with a solo blast against Owens, his first homer in seven games during his minor league rehab assignment. Leading off the sixth against new reliever Michael Dubee, Head cemented the lead with his second home run in as many nights to provide for the final margin of the game.

White (5-4) earned the win by striking out seven over seven innings of one-run baseball, scattering six hits against no walks. He became the first Aero to record five consecutive quality starts this season and now has a 1.50 ERA in 11 Double-A starts. Owens (8-4) took the loss in his five innings while Connor Graham earned his seventh hold and newly annointed closer Omar Aguilar recorded his fifth save of the year with a perfect ninth.

Kipnis, the reigning Akron Aeros Player of the Week, led the offensive charge in finishing 3-for-3 with a double and a sacrifice bunt. Cabrera went 2-for-4 with his homer while Choo was 1-for-3 before pinch-hitter Carlos Rivero entered the game in the seventh inning.

Meanwhile, the Aeros collected over 200 items of LeBron James apparel on the night for donation to a charitable cause. Fans redeemed 157 free tickets in the special promotion with all of the donated clothing heading on an upcoming mission trip by the Canal District Union of the United Methodist Church to the Caribbean or South America.

This pivotal three-game series continues Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Canal Park. Fans can enjoy another Two for Tuesday in downtown Akron with special offers on hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn and ice cream while also utilizing a KRAFT Singles buy one ticket, get one free special. Aeros lefty Kelvin De La Cruz (2-5, 5.28 ERA) aims for a second straight victory against Altoona's Jared Hughes (10-6, 4.46 ERA). Tuesday night's radio broadcast begins at 6:50 p.m. on Fox Sports 1350 AM and at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Akron Aeros team offices at (330) 253-5151.

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