EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Murata, Wolters Rise to Occasion in Ducks Win

Published on May 20, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Altoona, Pa.) May 20, 2014 - Turning 29 felt just fine for RubberDucks righthander Toru Murata on Tuesday night. The birthday boy celebrated by tossing six shutout innings in a 1-0 Akron victory over the Altoona Curve at People's Natural Gas Field.

Murata combined with Adam Miller and Shawn Armstrong on the three-hit shutout. He gave up two hits over six innings, and worked around three walks. He offset the walks by striking out a season-high five batters. Murata (3-0) retired 10 consecutive batters at one point, and finished by retiring 12 of the final 13 he faced. After Murata, Miller tossed one-hit ball in the seventh and eighth. Armstrong took over in the ninth and closed out the whitewash, picking up his seventh save in the process.

After recording the first two outs of the ninth, Armstrong issued a walk to Stetson Allie, who was lifted for pinch runner, Drew Maggi. Hardly a Ruthian finish, the game ended when Akron catcher Tony Wolters threw out Maggi trying to steal second base. It was the second baserunner thrown out by Wolters in the game, and his 13th of the season.

Murata was making a spot-start necessitated by Duke von Schamann's recent one-game call-up to Columbus. In three starts this season, Murata has gone 3-0, and tossed 17 shutout innings.

The RubberDucks (29-15) scored the only run of the game off Curve starter Adrian Sampson in the fifth inning when Jordan Smith doubled with two outs and scored on a base hit to center by Tyler Naquin. Sampson (3-3) absorbed the loss despite twirling seven strong innings and fanning a season-high eight batters.

It was Akron's fourth shutout win of the year, and second against Altoona (17-26). The win evened the series with the Curve at a game apiece. Both games so far have been decided by one run.

The RubberDucks and Curve will continue the series Wednesday morning at 10:30. RHP Joe Colon (2-2, 2.82) will start for Akron, while RHP Nick Kingham (1-4, 3.35) is the announced starter for Altoona. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM in the Akron area, and also via www.AkronRubberDucks.com.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season is the 18th since moving to Canal Park and the first as the RubberDucks. For more information, including official team merchandise, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. Fans may also follow the team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.

Check out the Akron RubberDucks Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from May 20, 2014


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.

OurSports Central