Lofgren Outstanding, but Aeros Fall 3-1
Published on May 6, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
AKRON, OH - Chuck Lofgren held Altoona at bay for seven innings, but the offense couldn't get him any run support in a 3-1 defeat before 3,782 fans at Canal Park Tuesday. The Curve and Aeros are both 13-18.
Lofgren began the year 0-2 with an 8.24 ERA in five starts in April, but after examining video from 2006 (the year he won 17 games for Kinston) made a mechanical adjustment predicated on slowing down his delivery. The results have been dramatic, as the left-hander held Erie to a run on six hits while recording a season-high nine strikeouts last Thursday, and then limiting Altoona to just a run on four hits in seven frames tonight. He allowed only one hit through four innings, but found trouble in the fifth as a double and two singles gave Altoona a 1-0 lead.
It remained a 1-0 game until the top of the eighth, when two singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Curve with two away. Akron summoned southpaw Shawn Nottingham for a lefty-lefty match-up with Anthony Webster, but the Altoona DH spoiled the strategy by rapping an 0-2 slider back up the middle for a two-run single and a 3-0 lead.
The Aeros mounted a threat in the bottom of the eighth, as Brandon Pinckney led off with a single and Josh Rodriguez followed with a knock of his own two batters later to put men at first and second. Chris Gimenez then battled Curve reliever Josh Shortslef for a walk to load the bases, and Wes Hodges got Akron on the board with an RBI fielder's choice to make it 3-1. Shortslef got Stephen Head to hit into another fielder's choice however, ending both the threat and the inning.
Josh Hill (3-2) started and was impressive for Altoona, blanking the Aeros on five hits and a walk over six innings. He doubled his previous season-high with eight strikeouts. Lofgren (1-3) took a loss he didn't deserve, turning in his second straight quality start. He struck out seven in his seven innings, and in his last two starts has allowed just two runs in 13 innings while striking out 16 hitters. Chris Hernandez worked a perfect ninth for his second save.
The series continues Wednesday evening, with Akron left-hander David Huff (1-1, 2.78 ERA) facing off against Curve southpaw Corey Hamman (0-4, 5.28 ERA). Fans can take advantage of the Wednesday 4-Pack deal, featuring four tickets, four hot dogs, four chips and four sodas for just $48. 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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