EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Camacaro The Centerpiece To 1-0 Win

Published on May 8, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - Armando Camacaro drove in the game's only run in the bottom of the second and then stood his ground on a play at plate in the ninth as the Aeros hung on for a 1-0 victory over Altoona before 7,969 fans at Canal Park Thursday. Akron improved to 14-18 and won three of four games in the series, while the Curve dropped to 13-20.

Akron's rally started innocently enough in the bottom of the second, as with the bases empty and two away Matt Whitney hit a slow roller up the third base line that looked like it might end up going foul. Altoona's Victor Alvarez came charging in trying to get the final out however, but his throw was off-line at first as Whitney reached on a single. Ryan Goleski followed with a base hit of his own, and Camacaro then lined a 3-1 fastball from Jimmy Barthmaier back into center field to score Whitney and give the Aeros a 1-0 advantage.

That slim margin was plenty for starter Frank Herrmann, who simply dazzled for seven shutout innings. Herrmann allowed singles in the first and third innings, got out of a mini-jam in the sixth by stranding a runner at second base, and retired the last five batters he faced before exiting. J.D. Martin worked a perfect inning of relief in the eighth, and Akron then called on closer Randy Newsom for the ninth.

Newsom, who just a night before set the franchise record with his 25th career save, struck out Jonel Pacheco on four pitches to start the frame but soon ran into trouble as Brad Corley followed with an infield single and Jason Delaney drew a full-count walk to put runners at first and second. Anthony Webster then lined a single into right field just over a leaping Brandon Pinckney, and pinch-runner James Boone headed around third with what looked to be the tying run. Goleski uncorked a beautiful throw to home however, traveling to Camacaro on a line while the catcher expertly blocked the plate. Boone appeared surprised that Camacaro was waiting for him with the ball, and an awkward slide couldn't get him around the veteran. Goleski then tracked down a well-struck ball from Luis Cruz in right-center for the final out.

Herrmann (4-2) turned in easily his finest performance of the year, allowing just five base runners over seven shutout innings and notching three strikeouts. Barthmaier (2-1) also threw the ball well for the Curve, but suffered his first loss after allowing a run on five hits in 4.2 innings. Newsom survived the ninth for his eighth save in as many opportunities.

Goleski went 2-3 at the plate in addition to making the game-saving throw, despite learning he would play just 40 minutes before the first pitch when Chris de la Cruz was a late scratch. Nathan Panther also had two hits.

Akron's week-long homestand continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday as the Trenton Thunder visit Canal Park for a three-game weekend series. This series will be a rematch of last year's Eastern League Championship Series, won by the Thunder in four games. A pair of left-handers will square off in the game, with Akron sending Ryan Edell (1-2, 4.50 ERA) to the hill and Trenton countering with Chase Wright (4-1, 2.95 ERA). As with every Friday night home game, fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks show after the game. The game broadcast begins at 6:50 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 May 8, 2008


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