Kokx Homers, But Ducks Fall in Harrisburg, 4-3
August 8, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Akron left fielder Connor Kokx homered among two hits, and second baseman Juan Brito also had two hits and an RBI, but Harrisburg left-hander Mitchell Parker struck out 13 batters in six innings to lead the Senators to a 4-3 win over the RubberDucks in the series opener at FNB Field Tuesday night.
Turning Point
In a 3-3, fifth-inning tie, Harrisburg shortstop Trey Lipscomb singled to center field with one out against Akron left-hander Doug Nikhazy. Center fielder James Wood grounded a double down the left-field line, and Lipscomb scored while Kokx was trying to corral the ball in the left-field corner, giving Harrisburg a 4-3 lead.
Mound Presence
Nikhazy walked two batters in the first inning, when Wood hit a two-run double to give Harrisburg a 2-1 lead. Nikhazy also allowed a run on two hits in the second inning but stranded a runner in each of the third and fourth innings. He lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing four runs - three earned - on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts. Right-hander Tyler Thornton made his Double-A debut after Nikhazy departed in the fifth and recorded four outs around two walks with three strikeouts. Left-hander Matt Turner worked around a hit and a walk with two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. Right-hander Tanner Burns worked around a walk with a strikeout in a scoreless eighth inning.
Duck Tales
Akron took a first-inning lead against left-hander Mitchell Parker. Center fielder Petey Halpin drew a leadoff walk and scored when Brito laced a two-out RBI double down the third-base line. With Akron trailing, 3-1, in the fourth, catcher Micael Ramírez singled to left-center field, and Kokx drilled a game-tying, two-run home run to left field. Ramírez had a two-hit game and threw out two Senators baserunners attempting to steal second base.
Notebook
Brito extended a 21-game on-base streak, the longest active streak in the Eastern League...The RubberDucks trail Richmond (20-14) by two games in the Southwest Division second-half race...Akron leads the season series with Harrisburg, 8-5...Game Time: 2:36...Attendance: 4,890.
On the Pond
The RubberDucks continue their series in Harrisburg at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at FNB Field. Right-hander Tommy Mace (3-2, 4.73 ERA) is scheduled to face Senators right-hander Michael Cuevas (2-4, 5.07 ERA). 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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