EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Martin Deals in 2-1 Win

Published on August 14, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - Akron starter J.D. Martin was terrific in his fifth start of the season and the Aeros got on the board early to earn a 2-1 win over Connecticut before 4,703 fans at Canal Park Thursday night. The Aeros (73-53) salvaged the final game of this three-game set and avoided their longest losing streak of the season, while the Defenders fell to 63-31.

Martin avoided immediate trouble in the first when Connecticut tripled and doubled but failed to score. Kyle Haines led off with the three-bagger, but Antoan Richardson lined a shot right back to Martin, who snagged it and fired to third to double off Haines. Olmo Rosario then doubled, but Martin struck out cleanup hitter Adam Witter to end the inning.

The Aeros jumped on Connecticut for a run in the second inning when Bronson Sardinha and Matt Whitney stroked back-to-back doubles with one down. Nathan Panther then added Akron's final run with a home run into the bleachers to open the bottom of the fifth inning. It was Panther's second homer in as many nights and his seventh on the season.

Connecticut did not manage to get on the board until the top of the ninth with Aeros closer Randy Newsom on the mound. A walk and single put runners on the corners with one out, and Mike Mooney hit a sac fly to deep left field to cut the advantage to a single run. Newsom recovered nicely however, getting Dave Maroul ground into a fielder's choice to end the game.

Martin (9-3) earned his ninth win of the season to tie Frank Herrmann for the team lead. The former first-round pick worked 5.2 shutout innings (his longest outing of the season), allowing just three hits and one walk with four strikeouts. Ben Snyder (1-5) took the loss for the Defenders, working six innings and allowing two runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Newsom surrendered the ninth-inning run but picked up his 27th save, and left-hander Chuck Lofgren impressed with 2.1 shutout innings, allowing just two hits and earning his first hold.

The Aeros open a three-game series Friday at 7:05 p.m. with the New Britain Rock Cats, who are making their only trip to Canal Park. Frank Herrmann (9-5, 4.17 ERA) gets the call for Akron against New Britain's Yohan Pino (5-5, 4.75 ERA). It is the final Fireworks Friday of the season, so get your tickets to see the spectacular post-game display, sponsored by Akron Children's Hospital Kids Cancer Survivors. Cleveland's Victor Martinez will also begin his rehab assignment Friday as he works his way back from right elbow surgery and a strained hamstring. 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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Eastern League Stories from August 14, 2008


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