EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Five-Run First Leads Packer, Aeros to Win

Published on August 29, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - The Akron Aeros brought nine men to the plate and scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning to erase a three-run deficit as they went on to win game one of a four-game series against the Reading Phillies 6-4 Monday at Canal Park.

Left-handed pitcher Matt Packer recorded the win for Akron tossing eight plus innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits, walking two and striking out four. Right-handed pitcher Cory Burns got out of a jam in the top of the ninth inning to earn his league best 34th save of 2011.

Right-hander Joseph Esposito allowed all five runs in the top of the first inning and suffered the loss for Reading retiring just three batters, giving up six hits and striking out one while walking none.

The R-Phils (68-67) took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a Matt Rizzotti RBI ground out and a Derrick Mitchell two-RBI single.

After the three-run first inning, Packer retired 18 straight batters from the second inning through the seventh and allowed just one more run.

The Aeros (69-66) answered in the bottom of the frame. Jordan Henry and Cristo Arnal opened the inning with back-to-back singles. Juan Diaz tripled them home to cut the Reading lead to 3-2. Chun Chen followed with an RBI single to tie the game 3-3. Following a Michel Hernandez single and a Kyle Bellows ground out, Raul Padron rapped a two RBI single to right field to break the tie and give the Aeros a 5-3 lead.

Padron doubled home Bellows in his next at bat in the bottom of the third inning to increase the lead to 6-3.

Reading scored a run in the top of the ninth inning, but Burns shut the door to give Akron the win.

The Aeros and R-Phils will continue their four-game series on Tuesday. Akron will give the ball to right-handed pitcher Brett Brach, who is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in 2011. He will face fellow right-hander Austin Hyatt, who is 11-6 with a 3.87 ERA this season. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. The game can be heard on Fox Sports 1350 AM or online at sportsradio1350.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m.

It is also KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets. Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to an Aeros game on Tuesday for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply.

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Eastern League Stories from August 29, 2011


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