EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Late Alvarez Grand Slam Upsets RubberDucks, 5-2

Published on July 4, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Akron, Ohio) The Akron RubberDucks stayed ahead throughout eight innings before Bowie Baysox center fielder Dariel Alvarez launched a grand slam to notch a 5-2 comeback win at Canal Park on Friday night in front of 8,198 fans.

With the RubberDucks holding a 2-1 lead in the ninth, a single, a hit by pitch and a throwing error helped the Bowie Baysox get three men on base to create the grand slam opportunity. Alvarez ripped the first pitch thrown to him by Akron reliever Enosil Tejeda. It was the center fielder's 14th homer of the season as he is second on the team in home runs. He registered his 65th RBI of the season.

It was the first time the RubberDucks have lost a game when leading after eight innings, making their record 41-1 after holding the late advantage.

A pair of lead-off hits from Bryan LaHair and Anthony Gallas in the bottom of the second set Akron up to score and take an early 2-0 lead. A Tony Wolters sacrifice fly brought the first run across while an RBI single off the bat of Ronny Rodriguez plated the second after an error on Bowie shortstop Garabez Rosa allowed Gallas to advance to third. Gallas's double in the second inning extending his hitting streak to eight games.

Thanks to some timely defensive plays, the RubberDucks' two runs went uncontested for four innings before the Baysox posted a run in the top of the seventh off a sacrifice fly from first baseman Christian Walker. After the Baysox managed back-to-back hits in the fourth frame off Akron starter Joe Colon, the righty proceeded to fan the next three batters to end the inning. Three double plays helped the RubberDucks get out of early jams.

Despite the timely defense, the RubberDucks played around three miscues to tie their mark for most errors in a game. Colon pitched the first 5.2 innings and gave up seven hits while walking one and striking out six. The six fanned batters come within one of his season-high mark of seven strikeouts.

Tejeda (2-1) was handed the loss after spending the last two innings on the mound and allowing three hits, and four runs, three earned. The right-hander walked one and struck out one.

Baysox reliever Marcel Prado (5-2) picked up the win. Prado threw two innings and allowed a single hit and struck out four. Three Baysox pitchers combined to strike out 13 'Ducks as they held Akron to six hits on the night. The RubberDucks struck out 13 times in Erie on Thursday night to combine for 26 strikeouts in the past two games.

The RubberDucks and Baysox will continue the three-game series on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at Canal Park. RHP Will Roberts (8-8, 3.64) is the announced starter for Akron while Bowie will send LHP Anthony Vasquez (2-5, 5.51) to the mound. The game will be broadcast on WARF 1350 AM and www.AkronRubberDucks.com.

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Eastern League Stories from July 4, 2014


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