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EL Akron RubberDucks

Kokx Homer Lifts Ducks Over Curve, 5-4

August 25, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Akron left fielder Connor Kokx homered in the ninth inning to lift the RubberDucks to a 5-4 win over the Altoona Curve, snapping a six-game losing streak in the fourth game of a six-game series at Peoples Natural Gas Field Friday night.

Turning Point

In a 4-4 tie in the top of the ninth inning, Kokx hit a one-out, solo home run to left field - his third of the season and second this month - off right-hander Grant Ford, giving Akron its first lead of the night and just its second of the series.

Mound Presence

Akron right-hander Ross Carver allowed a leadoff triple to Altoona second baseman Jackson Glenn and sacrifice fly by first baseman Matt Gorski in the first inning. After two scoreless innings, Carver allowed a solo home run to Curve right fielder Joe Perez to make it 2-0. He later allowed a go-ahead, two-run home run to first baseman Matt Gorski in the sixth inning but matched his season long of six innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits and one walk with two strikeouts. Right-hander Tanner Burnas pitched a scoreless seventh inning, and right-hander Bradley Hanner worked around a hit and two walks in a scoreless eighth. Right-hander Franco Aleman worked around a one-out walk for a scoreless ninth inning, extending a 13-outing, 19 1/3-inning scoreless streak to begin his Double-A career.

Duck Tales

After being held to one hit through 4 2/3 innings by left-hander Anthony Solometo, the RubberDucks rallied to tie the game. Catcher Micael Ramírez worked a walk on 11 pitches, and then first baseman Joe Naranjo hit a game-tying, two-run home run to right field - his first since April 18. Trailing, 4-2, in the eighth inning, the RubberDucks rallied for a tie again, as shortstop Milan Tolentino walked against right-hander Justin Meis, and second baseman Juan Brito singled to right field. Third baseman Aaron Bracho shot a two-run double down the right-field line, tying the game, 4-4.

Notebook

Right fielder Cesar Idrogo extended a four-game hitting streak...The RubberDucks ended their longest losing streak since the 2019 season...Akron remained 5 1/2 games behind Richmond (27-21) in the Southwest Division second-half race...Akron tied Altoona in the season series, 5-5...Game Time: 2:36...Attendance: 4,289.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks continue their series in Altoona at 6 p.m. Saturday at Peoples Natural Gas Field. Left-hander Doug Nikhazy (4-7, 3.94 ERA) is scheduled to face Curve right-hander Paul Skenes in his Double-A debut. The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.

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Eastern League Stories from August 25, 2023


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