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Bracho Blast, Davenport Start Lead Ducks to 2-1 Win in Richmond
April 9, 2024 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
After RubberDucks second baseman Aaron Bracho hit a two-run home run in the first inning, and right-hander Aaron Davenport struck out six batters in five scoreless innings in his Double-A debut to lead Akron to a 2-1 win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels in the opener of a six-game series at The Diamond Tuesday night.
Turning Point
In the first inning against Richmond right-hander Hayden Birdsong, designated hitter Kahlil Watson lined a first-pitch single to right field. After a balk moved him to second base, Bracho crushed an 0-2 pitch from Birdsong to right field for his first home run of the season and a 2-0 Akron lead.
Mound Presence
Davenport was superb in his RubberDucks debut, retiring the first six batters of the night, striking out the side around the only hit and walk against him in the third inning, and retiring the final seven batters he faced. Right-hander Jack Leftwich worked around two hits to fan four batters in two scoreless innings. Right-hander Andrew Walters worked around a single in the eighth. Despite allowing two doubles and a run in the ninth, he struck out Richmond right fielder Vaun Brown with the tying run at second base to close the win.
Duck Tales
After the first inning, Akron was held to one hit, two walks and a hit batter on offense. Center fielder Chase DeLauter made a sliding catch on a Will Wilson line drive in the fourth inning, giving Davenport one of his four one-two-three innings.
Notebook
Akron has won three straight games for the first time since Aug. 1-3, 2023, against Somerset at Canal Park...The RubberDucks pitching staff pitched 18 straight scoreless innings before Richmond scored in the ninth inning Tuesday...RubberDucks pitchers had 13 strikeouts, matching their season high...Game Time: 2:14...Attendance: 9,810.
On the Pond
The RubberDucks continue their series in Richmond at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday at The Diamond. Akron left-hander Ryan Webb is scheduled to make his season debut, facing Flying Squirrels left-hander John Michael Bertrand (0-0, 5.40 ERA). The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.
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