Diaz Slam Leads Aeros to 7-4 Victory
Published on August 3, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Manchester, NH - Akron's Juan Diaz belted a grand slam as part of a five-run first inning Friday night, and the Aeros cruised to a 7-4 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the opener of a three-game series at Delta Dental Stadium.
After the Aeros (67-45) took a 1-0 lead on an RBI single by Chun Chen, Diaz stepped to the plate with the bases full and blasted a long home run to right off the scoreboard for his second grand slam of the year. Diaz's homer made it 5-0.
The first-inning rally came off Cats starter Deck McGuire (5-12). After the first, McGuire settled in and worked into the sixth, but the damage was already done.
Toru Murata started for the Aeros, making a spot start in place of recently traded Steven Wright. The Cats picked up a pair of hits in the first inning, including a double by Ryan Goins, but the Aeros cut down a run at the plate. Murata then proceded to retire 11 batters in a row.
Murata left after surrendering two hits in the fifth. Loek van Mil took over and served up a two run double to Koby Clemens to make it 5-2. The runs were charged to Murata, who couldn't qualify for the win because he didn't make it through five innings. He did not issue a walk and struck out four.
Kyle Landis (6-4) followed van Mil, tossing 1 1/3 innings to earn the win in relief. The Aeros tacked on a couple of runs and had a 7-3 lead going to the ninth. The Cats showed signs of life getting a boost on a pair of lead-off walks by Shawn Armstrong. After a base hit by Brian Van Kirk loaded the bases, the Cats scratched out a run on a fielders choice to make it 7-4. Armstrong then retired the next two batters to close it out. It was the first time that Armstrong has allowed a run in eight games since joining the Aeros.
Diaz, who raised his RBI total to 52, went 2-4 on the night. Thomas Neal went 3-5, and is now hitting .324. Ryan Rohlinger was hitless in four trips to the plate, but made a diving play to rob Goins of a hit in the sixth, and gunned down a potential run at the plate in the first with a perfect relay throw.
The Aeros and Fisher Cats will continue the series on Saturday evening at 7:05. RHP Danny Salazar (NR) will make his Double-A debut for Akron. RHP Chad Jenkins (5-9, 4.96) will take the ball for the Cats. All Aeros games are broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at 330-253-5151.
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