EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Hodges Now Tied for Second in Single-Season RBI Race

Published on August 21, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


NORWICH, CT - Frank Herrmann carried a one-hit shutout into the eighth and two big swings from Wes Hodges and Bronson Sardinha provided all the offense in Akron's 4-2 triumph over Connecticut before 4,068 fans at Dodd Stadium Thursday night. The Aeros improved to 75-57 and cut their magic number down to four with Harrisburg's 5-3 loss in Trenton. The Defenders fell to 65-65.

Herrmann and Connecticut starter Dave McKae matched each other pitch for pitch through the first five innings, but the Aeros finally broke through in the sixth. Brandon Pinckney beat out a slow roller up the third base line to start the frame, and Hodges then got ahead in the count 3-1 and bombed a hanging curveball out to left for a 2-0 advantage. It was Hodges' 14th home run of the year and gave him 89 RBI on the season, tying him with Scott Morgan and Tony Mitchell for second on the single-season RBI list, trailing only record holder Chan Perry (96 RBI in 1997).

McKae gave way to reliever Ronnie Ray after seven innings, and singles from Pinckney, Hodges and Matt Whitney loaded the bases with one away for Sardinha. Ray got ahead in the count quickly, but Sardinha spoiled a trio of two-strike offerings before poking a two-run single into left field to double the cushion to 4-0.

Those insurance runs loomed large when the Defenders tallied twice in the eighth, but Neil Wagner came on in relief and struck out Julio Cordido on three pitches with runners at first and second to end the inning. Wagner then got the first out in the ninth before Eliezer Alfonzo singled, but Akron brought Reid Santos out of the pen and the southpaw struck out Adam Witter and Simon Klink to end the game.

Herrmann (10-6) reached double-digit victories for the second straight year, following an 11-win campaign for Kinston last season. The native of Rutherford, NJ allowed just one run and two hits in 7.1 innings, walking one and striking out seven. He retired the first nine hitters he faced, and also set down 11 straight batters later in the game. McKae (7-8) made just the mistake to Hodges, allowing two runs and six hits in seven innings. Santos notched his second save. Hodges finished 3-4 with his home run, and Pinckney chipped in a pair of hits and scored twice.

The Aeros continue this six-game road trip Friday night at 7:05 p.m. with the opener of a three-game series in New Britain. Lefty Ryan Edell (6-7, 3.97 ERA) will go for Akron against New Britain's Jeff Manship (2-6, 4.93 ERA). The game broadcast begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

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Eastern League Stories from August 21, 2008


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