Maroul's Home Run Does in Aeros
August 13, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
AKRON, OH - Aeros starter Kevin Dixon worked eight innings, but an eighth-inning home run by Connecticut's Dave Maroul downed the Aeros 3-2 before 4,287 fans at Canal Park Wednesday night. Akron dropped to 72-53 and fell into second place for the first time since June 15th, while the Defenders improved to 63-60 with the win.
The Aeros posted single runs in the first and second innings to take a 2-0 lead. Brandon Pinckney led off the first with a single and Josh Rodriguez followed with a walk. One out later, Wes Hodges delivered a solid RBI stroke into left for the first run. Nathan Panther then socked a one-out homer into the bullpen in right in the second to make it 2-0.
Adam Witter tied the game for Connecticut in the top of the fourth with a two-run home run onto the picnic area in left-center, and the game remained tied until the top of the eighth inning when Maroul pounded a leadoff solo homer into the bushes in left-center for the 3-2 lead.
The Aeros threatened in the ninth when Ryan Goleski sliced a double down the right-field line, and as right fielder Mike Mooney struggled with the handle Akron's designated hitter rounded second and dug for third. Goleski appeared to beat the relay throw from second baseman Olmo Rosario, but third base umpire Scott Mahoney called Goleski out after he appeared to come off the bag during the tag. Both Aeros manager Mike Sarbaugh vehemently protested the call, and was ejected along with Goleski.
After a Nathan Panther groundout, Damaso Espino tallied his third base knock of the game with an infield single, but Pinckney popped to short to end the game.
Ronnie Ray (6-2) earned the win for Connecticut with three innings of scoreless relief, allowing three hits and striking out two. Dixon (8-9) took the loss, going eight innings and allowing three runs on six hits with a walk, three strikeouts, and two home runs allowed. It was his team-leading 14th quality start of the year. Defenders starter Garrett Broshuis worked six innings and allowed two runs on six hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Espino was 3-4 with a double and Goleski was the only other Aero with multiple hits, going 2-4 with a double.
The Aeros look to avoid their first four-game losing streak of the season against Connecticut Thursday at 7:05 p.m. J.D. Martin (8-3, 3.10 ERA) takes the hill for Akron against Defenders left-hander Ben Snyder (1-4, 6.92 ERA). It will be Pet Night at Canal Park sponsored by the Humane Society of Greater Akron, with fans encouraged to bring their favorite four-legged friends. All pets must have a leash and fans are responsible for any "mess" their pet may make. 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.
• Discuss this story on the Eastern League message board...
Eastern League Stories from August 13, 2008
- Thunder offense stagnant in loss - Trenton Thunder
- Four Run First Propels Mets To Win - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Seven Game Win Streak Ends - Erie SeaWolves
- Curve falter against Portland - Altoona Curve
- Portland remains two games ahead of Binghamton and Connecticut - Portland Sea Dogs
- Maroul's Home Run Does in Aeros - Akron RubberDucks
- Defenders capture fifth straight - Connecticut Defenders
- Martinez, Barfield to Rehab this Weekend; Barfield Arrives Thursday, Martinez Friday - Akron RubberDucks
- Sandoval & Rohlinger Headed to the Bay Area - Connecticut Defenders
- Jason Stephens sent back to Tampa from Trenton - Trenton Thunder
- Billy Wagner To Rehab With B-Mets - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Erie SeaWolves vs. New Britain Rock Cats...Game Two of Three...Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
- Fisher Cats blank Harrisburg 4-0 Wednesday afternoon - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Aeros Notes - Akron RubberDucks
- Senators Blanked by Fisher Cats - Harrisburg Senators
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
