EL Akron RubberDucks

Ducks Win Again in Extras in Somerset, 4-2 in 10 Innings

Published on August 28, 2021 under Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


The Akron RubberDucks scored twice in the 10th inning on a bases-loaded walk to right fielder George Valera and wild pitch to win, 4-2, for their second extra-inning victory against the Somerset Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark Friday night. Akron grew its lead to 2.5 games over Bowie, three over Somerset, and five over Portland for the league's best record.

Turning Point

In a 2-2, 10th-inning tie, with second baseman Ike Freeman placed at second base, Somerset right-hander Nick Ernst hit designated hitter Steven Kwan with a pitch, shortstop Brayan Rocchio had a bunt single, and Valera took a four-pitch walk for an RBI and a 3-2 Akron lead. Ernst retired the next two batters before throwing a wild pitch that scored Kwan.

Mound Presence

RubberDucks left-hander Adam Scott retired the first seven batters of the game before allowing an unearned run on a hit and error in the third. He took a 2-1 lead into the seventh inning, when he allowed a walk and double before being relieved by right-hander Thomas Ponticelli, who allowed an inherited runner to score but got consecutive strikeouts to strand the go-ahead run at third base. He also pitched around two baserunners in the ninth inning, going three scoreless innings. Right-hander Manuel Alvarez began the 10th inning with a walk before recording three straight outs for his third save and first since July 21. Alvarez has pitched eight consecutive scoreless innings over his last five appearances.

Duck Tales

Kwan hit the RubberDucks' fifth leadoff home run of the season in the first inning against right-hander Jhony Brito and added an RBI single in the third inning for his 10th multi-hit game in August and a 2-0 Akron lead. The RubberDucks defense preserved the lead in the sixth inning, when Somerset shortstop Oswald Peraza tried to score from first base on designated hitter Josh Breaux's double, but Valera threw to Rocchio, who threw to catcher Bryan Lavastida to retire Peraza at home plate. In the ninth inning, Freeman dove to stop a potential game-winning hit off the bat of left fielder Thomas Milone and threw him out to end the inning, forcing extras.

Notebook

The RubberDucks are 8-5 in extra-inning games this season, including 7-2 on the road. Akron is also 29-19 in games decided by two runs or fewer...Game Time: 3:30 (0:29 delayed first pitch)... Attendance: 3,374.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks continue their six-game series in Somerset at 7:05 p.m. EDT Saturday. Akron left-hander Konnor Pilkington (1-0, 1.80 ERA) is scheduled to face Patriots right-hander Shawn Semple (6-2, 3.30 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 28, 2021


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