Defenders Fall, 9-6
August 20, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
NORWICH, CT- Connecticut dug themselves an early rut and nearly came out on the right side of a 9-6 ballgame. But, it was Akron's early cushion and the Defenders struggles on the mound that equated to the three run loss.
After three scoreless frames, it looked as if Akron starter J.D. Martin and Connecticut southpaw Ben Snyder were destined for a pitcher's duel. The Aeros then changed the tendencies of the game as they rallied in the fourth.
Wes Hodges started the top of four with a sharp single to left. Stephen Head followed it up with a home run that hugged the right field foul pole for a two-run homer. Damaso Espino slapped a single to score Matt Whitney and Jared Head sent Nate Panther home on a fielder's choice to make it 4-0, Aeros.
Stephen Head homered once again in the fifth to push Akron's advantage to 5-0 as the Defenders continued to flail at Martin's offerings on the hill.
Things got out of hand in the sixth as Akron plated three more runs on one hit and a costly error to give Akron a quite lop-sided 8-0 lead.
The Defs finally got on the scoreboard in the last of the sixth inning as Olmo Rosario, Adam Witter and Simon Klink all doubled and when it was all said and done, Connecticut got two back to make it 8-2.
Stephen Head made history in the top of the seventh as he sprayed his third homer of the day, which tied a franchise record and ballooned Akron's advantage to 9-2.
Connecticut rallied late as the ninth inning innocently rolled around with the Defenders starting down a big disadvantage. The surge of offense brought four runs across for the Defs and two men were aboard when Eliezer Alfonzo stepped up to the plate with a chance to tie things up with one stroke of the bat. After working a 2-2 count, Alfonzo swung through a breaking ball and the game ended, 9-6 in favor of Akron.
These two teams will square off for a rubber match at Dodd Stadium on Thursday at 6:35pm. Tickets are still available at ctdefenders.com or by calling the box office at (860) 887-7962.
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