Martinez Overmatches Aeros in 4-1 Win
August 12, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
AKRON, OH - Joey Martinez dominated the Aeros lineup over seven shutout innings to lift Connecticut to a 4-1 win over Akron before 3,848 fans at Canal Park Tuesday night. The Aeros fell to 72-52, while the Defenders improved to 62-60.
The Defenders used a pair of early home runs to jump out to a 3-0 lead. With two down in the third, Ryan Rohlinger pounded a solo home run to the picnic area in left-center to make it 1-0. In the fourth, Pablo Sandoval led off with a single and one out later Adam Witter slugged a two-run shot off the batter's eye in right-center. Connecticut added another run in the fifth inning, putting runners on first and second with one out before Olmo Rosario delivered an RBI single, giving the Defenders a 4-0 advantage.
The Aeros finally got on the board in the eighth inning off reliever Adam Cowart, but also let an important opportunity slip away. Wyatt Toregas singled to left to lead off and moved to second on a groundout. Brandon Pinckney followed with an RBI flare down the right-field line to make it 4-1. Jose Constanza then bunted for a single along the cut of the grass down the third-base line and Josh Rodriguez singled up the middle to load the bases. The rally stopped there though, as Bronson Sardinha struck out and Wes Hodges grounded out sharply to short to end the inning.
Martinez (8-9) earned the win with his seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and no walks with six strikeouts. The Aeros had two hits in the first inning, but Martinez retired the next nine men he faced before allowing a single in the fourth. The right-hander then rebounded by setting down the next 10 men he faced. Justin Hedrick picked up his ninth save, allowing just one hit in 1.2 innings. Steven Wright (3-2) took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits in 4.1 innings. He also walked two and matched a season-high with seven strikeouts. Stephen Head was the only Aero with two hits, and Akron's bullpen pitched 4.2 scoreless innings to close the game.
The Aeros continue this series Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. with Akron sending left-hander Ryan Edell (6-6, 3.93 ERA) to the hill against Connecticut's Garrett Broshuis (12-8, 3.88 ERA). It will be NASCAR Night at Canal Park, as Kurt Busch and his #2 Miller Lite Dodge will be at the ballpark. Busch will sign autographs from 6:00 to 6:40 and 7:00 to 7:30 on the concourse and the 2004 Winston Cup Champion's car will also be on display. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the Aeros will give away 5,000 NASCAR driver posters as fans enter the gates. 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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