EL1 Akron RubberDucks

McBride's Homer Propels Aeros Past Curve

Published on May 4, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


ALTOONA, PA - Matt McBride hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning that broke a 3-3 tie and proved to be the game-winning run as the Akron Aeros beat the Altoona Curve 6-3 Wednesday at Blair County Ballpark.

Chris Leroux allowed the McBride home run and suffered the loss for Altoona lasting just one inning and giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits.

Left-handed pitcher Nick Hagadone pitched 2.1 scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win for the Aeros striking out one and walking none. Cory Burns struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth inning to record his eighth save of 2011.

The Aeros (13-13) scored in the top of the first inning off Curve starter Mike Colla. Jordan Henry led off the game with a walk and quickly stole second base. With one out, Juan Diaz advanced him to third with a single. Chun Chen followed with a walk. Henry scored when John Drennen reached on a fielding error. McBride made it 2-0 as he drove in Diaz on an RBI single. Tim Fedroff capped the inning with a sacrifice fly scoring Chen and giving the Aeros a 3-0 lead.

The Curve (12-12) chipped away at the Aeros lead and eventually tied the game at 3-3 scoring single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Altoona went to Leroux in the top of the seventh and McBride greeted him rudely hitting a solo home run to center field to give the Aeros a 4-3 lead. Fedroff reached on an error and advanced to third on Kyle Bellows' double. With one out, Fedroff scored and Bellows advanced to third when Henry grounded into a fielder's choice. Matt Lawson followed with a sacrifice fly to score Bellows and give Akron a 6-3 lead.

The three-run cushion was enough for the Aeros bullpen as they went on to beat Altoona.

The Aeros and Curve will play the rubber match of this three-game series Thursday morning. Left-handed pitcher Matt Packer will get the start for Akron. Packer is 0-3 with a 4.79 ERA on the season. He will face fellow lefty Aaron Pribanic, who is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA. First pitch is at 11 a.m. The game can be heard on Fox Sports 1350 AM or online at sportsradio1350.com. Coverage begins at 10:45 a.m.

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