EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Early Offense Helps RubberDucks to 8-4 Win Over Altoona

Published on May 9, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Akron, Ohio) May 9, 2014 - A night after scoring seven runs over the final two innings, the Akron RubberDucks continued the offensive attack on Friday with seven more runs over the first two innings leading to an 8-4 win over the Altoona Curve at Canal Park.

The RubberDucks scored three times in the first inning when Tyler Naquin and Tyler Holt led off with consecutive bases on balls. Following a fielder's choice by Francisco Lindor that forced out Holt at second base, first baseman Bryan LaHair had an RBI single to left to score Naquin, and Tony Wolters had an RBI single to right field to score Lindor.

LaHair advanced to second on the single and came around to score on a throwing error by Altoona rightfielder Willy Garcia, to put Akron up 3-0. Akron would extend the lead to 7-0 with a four-run second inning. Singles by catcher Alex Lavisky and Naquin led off the frame and Holt walked to load the bases for Lindor, who promptly laced a three-run double to left field and raising his series RBI total to seven. Lindor would score on a passed ball by the Curve's Elias Diaz.

Curve starter Tyler Sample lasted only 1/3 of an inning, allowing three runs, two earned runs, on two hits and three walks before LHP Brandon Mann replaced him.

Altoona got on the board when leftfielder Keon Broxton doubled to left and scored on a sacrifice fly by shortstop Alen Hanson, making it 7-1.

The score would remain unchanged until the top of the seventh inning when Altoona had five consecutive hits to start the inning, resulting in three runs to close the score to 7-4. Altoona looked like it was going to cut the lead even more when Diaz launched a deep drive to centerfield, but Naquin made a leaping catch on the run to end the inning.

Akron starter Gabriel Arias improved his record to 4-2 by allowing three of the Curve's runs over six-plus innings of work before being relieved by Jordan Cooper, who gave up one run on three hits while closing out the seventh inning.

Things would get interesting in the bottom of the seventh inning. Holt led off the inning with a bunt hit toward third base and was caught stealing while the next batter, Lindor, was at the plate. Lindor would walk on four pitches, but not before the last two pitches coming in high-and-tight, the last of which going all the way back to the backstop. Lindor threw down his bat and yelled out toward Altoona pitcher Matt Benedict. Both benches cleared and an argument ensued, however calm quickly prevailed and the game continued without further interruption or issues.

Akron added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Jordan Smith's sacrifice fly scored Bryson Myles, who led off the inning with a walk and advanced to third on Ronny Rodriguez's double.

Shawn Armstrong threw two scoreless innings of relief to earn his fifth save of the season.

The series continues Saturday at 6:35 p.m. with a matchup between Akron RHP Joe Colon (1-2, 2.94 ERA) and Altoona RHP Nick Kingham (1-2, 3.38 ERA). Satur day's game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM in A kron 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 May 9, 2014


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