Akron Tops Erie 5-3 Behind Bracho's Big Night and Tena's Timely Home Run

July 28, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release

Aaron Bracho's career-high five hit night and Jose Tena's go-ahead solo home run in the top of the ninth lead the Akron RubberDucks to a 5-3 win over the Erie SeaWolves on Friday night at UPMC Park.

Turning Point

After tying the game on a wild pitch in the eighth, the RubberDucks looked to complete the comeback in the ninth. With one out, Tena lined a solo home run deep over the wall in right-center to put Akron ahead 4-3. The RubberDucks were not done as back-to-back two out doubles from Juan Brito and Bracho gave Akron some insurance at 5-3.

Mound Presence

Tommy Mace got the start for Akron and ran into some early long ball trouble allowing a solo homer in the second and a two-run home run in the third. The right-hander settled in after the third inning home run by not allowing a run and only surrendering one more hit the rest of his night. In total, Mace tossed 5.1 innings allowing three runs while striking out seven. Trey Benton struck out four over an inning and two-thirds. Franco Aleman struck out two over two perfect innings.

Duck Tales

Bracho got the Akron offense going in the first when he singled through the hole between short and third to score Petey Halpin and make it 1-0 RubberDucks. After Erie tied the game in the second, Bracho tripled with two outs in the third before scoring on Korey Holland's double to put Akron on top 2-1. In the eighth inning, Gabriel Rodriguez singled with one out before advancing to third on Bracho's double. Two pitches later, a wild pitch brought home Rodriguez to tie the game 3-3.

Notebook

Tena, who entered the series with two home runs on the season, increased his home run total to four with his second ninth inning home run in as many nights...Bracho finished a home run shy of the cycle and set a new career-high for hits in a game with five while tying his career-high for doubles in a game with two...Game Time: 2:35...Attendance: 3,874.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks will continue their series at UPMC Park against the Erie SeaWolves on Saturday, July 29 at 6:05 p.m. Akron right-hander Hunter Stanley (3-7, 5.20 ERA) will take on Erie righty Ty Madden (2-2, 3.55 ERA). The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for all RubberDucks home games, are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.

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