EL Akron RubberDucks

Ducks Take 7-1 Series Opener in Reading

August 10, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


The Akron RubberDucks scored four runs in the second inning and three in the eighth to beat the Reading Fightin Phils, 7-1, and gain sole possession of the best record in the Double-A Northeast in the first game of a six-game series at FirstEnergy Stadium Tuesday night.

Turning Point

The RubberDucks scored four runs in the second inning and never lost the lead. Andruw Monasterio hit a leadoff single to center field, where a fielding error by Jhailyn Ortiz allowed Monasterio to advance to second base. Bryan Lavastida singled him home, notching a third straight game with an RBI. Jonathan Englemann later hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0. Jose Fermín followed with a two-run homer to left-center field - his first since Aug. 26, 2019 - to make it 4-0.

Mound Presence

In his second start with the RubberDucks since being acquired at the Trade Deadline from the White Sox, left-hander Konnor Pilkington pitched five innings, striking out four batters, walking three and giving up a solo home run. Left-hander Tanner Tully went two scoreless innings, allowing two hits. Thomas Ponticelli struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning. Nike Mikolajchak finished the win with a scoreless ninth inning.

Duck Tales

Akron held a 4-1 lead until the eighth inning, when they scored three runs to add to their lead. After two walks and a wild pitch by right-hander Aneurys Zabala, designated hitter Bo Naylor hit an RBI single to right field and brought home Monasterio. Engelmann added a two-run double on a line drive to left field.

Notebook

Fermin homered in his 57th game. With his homer, every batter of the team's Opening Day roster has hit at least one home run for them this season...Eight of the nine spots in the starting lineup had a hit...Eight straight RubberDucks starting pitchers have gone at least 4 1/3 innings, and nine straight have allowed no more than two runs...Akron leads the season series with Reading, 6-1...Game Time: 2:38... Attendance: 6,145.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks and Fightin Phils will play the second game of the six-game series Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Left-hander Juan Hillman (9-2, 3.63 ERA) will be on the mound for Akron, while Reading will send out right-hander Jack Perkins (3-1, 3.59 ERA). The game broadcast, powered by FirstEnergy, is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on MiLB.TV. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.

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Eastern League Stories from August 10, 2021


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