EL Akron RubberDucks

Martinez Drives in Five as Back-And-Forth Battle Goes to Akron in 10-8 in 11

Published on July 27, 2023 under Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Angel Martinez picks up three hits and drives in five including a three-run home run as part of a four-run 11th to power the Akron RubberDucks to a 10-8 victory over the Erie SeaWolves in 11 innings on Thursday night at UPMC Park.

Turning Point

Akron finally looked to end the seesaw battle with a big inning in the 11th. Gabriel Rodriguez singled to open the inning to advance placed runner Connor Kokx to third. Micael Ramirez hit a slow chopper to short that was thrown away by Erie's shortstop to score Kokx and make it 7-6 Akron. After Erie got back-to-back strikeouts, Martinez launched a three-run home run down the line in right to give the RubberDucks some much needed insurance at 10-6.

Mound Presence

Doug Nikhazy got the start for Akron and was unhittable the first time through the Erie order. The SeaWolves got to the left-hander for a two-run home run in the fourth, but Nikhazy settled back in and did not allow any more damage the rest of his night. In total, the left-hander tossed 5.1 innings allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out six. Mason Hickman followed allowing a run over an inning and a third. Bradley Hanner allowed two runs over his two and a third innings. Davis Sharpe tossed two innings allowing three runs (one earned) with three strikeouts.

Duck Tales

Martinez got Akron's offensive outburst started off by singling home Petey Halpin in the top of the third to give the RubberDucks the early 1-0 lead. Korey Holland stretched the lead later in the inning by lifting a sac-fly to score Jose Tena. After Erie tied the game in the fourth, Martinez gave Akron the lead back by lifting a sac-fly to right to score Mike Amditis and make it 3-2 RubberDucks. Down to their final out in the bottom of the ninth, Tena came through big for the RubberDucks by tying the game at 5-5 with a two-run home run to dead center. In the 10th, Juan Brito singled home Martinez to put Akron ahead 6-5.

Notebook

Martinez's home run was his 10th of the season and third in the last five games...Tena extended his season long on-base streak to 14 games...Game Time: 3:25...Attendance: 5,230.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks will continue their series at UPMC Park against the Erie SeaWolves on Friday, July 28 at 6:35 p.m. Akron right-hander Tommy Mace (2-2, 5.28 ERA) will take on Erie righty Keider Montero (9-2, 4.94 ERA). The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for all RubberDucks home games, are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.

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Eastern League Stories from July 27, 2023


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