EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Early Barrage Enough as Thunder Outlast Ducks, 9-5

Published on April 23, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Trenton, NJ) April 23, 2014 - The Trenton Thunder always seem to find another gear against the Akron RubberDucks.

That seemed evident Wednesday night as the Thunder built an 8-0 lead through the first four innings, and then held off the RubberDucks, 9-5, on a blustery and frigid night at Arm and Hammer Park.

Trenton (12-7) have won the first three games of the series, and five of six games against the RubberDucks this season.

They will try for the series sweep on Thursday morning at 10:35.

A heavy wind gusting to 37 miles-per-hour made it feel like 35 degrees shortly after game time, but that didn't cool off the Trenton bats. Kyle Roller's RBI double sparked a two-run first inning against Will Roberts (2-2). After scoring single runs in the second and third, the Thunder broke it open with four more in the fourth, highlighted by a three-run homer by Rob Segedin.

A pair of errors and four walks by Roberts compounded the early trouble. Roberts lasted five innings and allowed only six hits. He did finish strong, retiring the final five batters he faced.

The RubberDucks (9-10) were blanked through the first four innings by Trenton starter Zach Nuding (2-0). Then in the fifth, Alex Lavisky's RBI double spoiled the shutout bid. Giovanny Urshela followed suit with a run scoring double to right in the sixth to make it 8-2.

In the seventh, the Ducks tacked on three more against reliever Graham Stoneburner. Singles by Tyler Holt and Tyler Naquin set up an RBI fielder's choice by Bryson Myles, and Joe Wendle crushed a two-run homer to make it 8-5.

Roller smacked a solo shot in the bottom of the seventh off Enosil Tejeda to push the lead back to 9-5.

Nuding left after 5 1/3 and claimed his second straight win over Akron. In 12 1/3 innings versus the RubberDucks, Nuding has allowed just nine hits and two runs.

The Ducks got a pair of hits in the ninth from Holt and Naquin. Myles lifted what appeared to be a Texas League single to right, but the infield fly rule was invoked by first-base umpire John Libka, resulting in Myles being called out. Manager David Wallace argued the call and was ejected for the first time this season. With runners on second and third, Wendle grounded sharply to first to end the game.

The RubberDucks will send RHP Kyle Davies (1-1, 3.50) to the mound when they play the final game of the series and road trip on Thursday morning at 10:35. Trenton has not announced its starter. Thursday's game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM in Akron and also via www.AkronRubberDucks.com.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season is the 18th since moving to Canal Park and the first as the RubberDucks. For more information, including official team merchandise, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. Fans may also follow the team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.

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Eastern League Stories from April 23, 2014


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