Labour's Two Homers Launch Squirrels Past Ducks, 6-3
Published on May 5, 2022 under Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Summary
Flying Squirrels right fielder Franklin Labour hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the fourth inning and added a solo homer in his next at bat to lift Richmond to a seventh straight win, a 6-3 victory over the Akron RubberDucks at The Diamond Thursday night, giving the home team the first three games of the series.
Turning Point
In a scoreless game in the bottom of the fourth, Richmond second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald hit a two-out infield single, ending the start for Akron right-hander Tanner Burns. Right-hander Kevin Coulter walked center fielder Jacob Heyward before Labour snapped his 0-for-9, eight-strikeout start to the series with a home run to left field. Designated hitter Robert Emery doubled to left field, shortstop Shane Matheny walked, and catcher Brandon Martorano hit a two-run double to center field, capping the Flying Squirrels' five-run inning.
Mound Presence
Burns struck out five batters while keeping Richmond scoreless until the fourth inning. He allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Coulter allowed four earned runs on three hits and two walks. Left-hander Tim Herrin struck out the first three batters he faced and retired five straight before allowing Labour's second home run in the sixth inning. He went 2 1/3 innings, striking out four batters. Right-hander Kevin Kelly pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out three batters.
Duck Tales
Akron fought back from the 5-0 deficit in the sixth inning, as left fielder Julian Escobedo doubled to right field - his sixth of the season - third baseman Daniel Schneemann walked, and two batters later, first baseman Micah Pries hit a two-out, two-run double to left field. In the seventh, with a 6-2 deficit, shortstop Brayan Rocchio hit a leadoff double, went to third base on an error by Matheny at shortstop and scored on Escobedo's sacrifice fly.
Notebook
Akron had won Burns' first four starts before losing on Thursday...José Tena went 0-for-5, snapping a six-game hitting streak...Escobedo's four-game hitting streak is the longest active streak on the club...Akron is now 3-9 on the road this season...Game Time: 2:51...Attendance: 7,854.
On the Pond
The RubberDucks continue their six-game series in Richmond at 1:05 p.m. EDT Friday. Akron left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-2, 4.20 ERA) is scheduled to face Flying Squirrels right-hander Matt Frisbee (0-1, 3.00 ERA). The game broadcast, powered by FirstEnergy, is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on MiLB.TV. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.
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