Binghamton Falls to Akron on Walk-off Squeeze Bunt
EL Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Binghamton Falls to Akron on Walk-off Squeeze Bunt

Published on April 18, 2026 under Eastern League (EL)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies News Release


AKRON, Ohio - The Binghamton Rumble Ponies (6-7) fell to the Akron RubberDucks, 5-4, on a walk-off squeeze bunt in the bottom of the ninth inning at 7 17 Credit Union Park on Saturday night, after a rain delay that lasted 1 hour, 26 minutes. Binghamton dropped the series, losing four of the first five games.

Binghamton led 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Right-hander Ben Simon (1-1) recorded the first out of the frame on one pitch. Second baseman Christian Knapczyk then reached on an error by shortstop Marco Vargas, and Jose Devers pinch-ran for Knapczyk. Devers reached second base on a wild pitch.

First baseman Jake Fox followed with a game-tying RBI triple to left field, which made it 4-4. Left fielder Matt Rudick slipped on the wet playing surface, after the rain, and the ball got by him, which allowed Fox to reach third as the potential-winning run. Right fielder Guy Lipscomb followed and placed down a walk-off squeeze bunt and Fox scored the winning run.

Binghamton scored in the top of the fourth inning on Rudick's two-run single, which put the Ponies ahead 2-1. Designated hitter Eli Serrano III also hit a two-run single in the top of the seventh inning, which put the Ponies ahead 4-2. Serrano III has driven in four runs over the last two games.

Akron (9-5) scored in the third inning on left fielder Wuilfredo Antunez's solo home run. In the sixth inning, left-hander Jefry Yan issued four walks and walked catcher Cameron Barstad with the bases loaded, which tied the game 2-2. In the seventh inning, right-hander Douglas Orellana walked three batters and right-hander Jordan Geber walked Lipscomb, which scored a run and cut Binghamton's deficit to 4-3. Binghamton walked eight batters and walked in two runs across the sixth and seventh innings.

The Rumble Ponies conclude their series against the RubberDucks (Double-A, Cleveland Guardians) on Sunday at 7 17 Credit Union Park. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on WNBF News Radio 1290 & 92.1 FM.

Postgame Notes: Center fielder A.J. Ewing (2-for-5, 2 SB) extended his on-base streak to 11 games to start 2026 and he has recorded eight stolen bases in that span...Catcher Chris Suero (1-for-4, 2B, BB) extended his on-base streak to seven games...Second baseman D'Andre Smith (0-for-3, BB, R, K) extended his on-base streak to seven games...Vargas drew two walks and recorded a run and stolen base...Right-hander Brendan Girton started for Binghamton (4.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K).

##RUMBLE PONIES##

Check out the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from April 18, 2026


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central