EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Packer Twirls Gem as Aeros Shut Down Wolves

Published on May 24, 2013 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Erie, PA- Akron Aeros lefthander Matt Packer seems to thrive against top-flight competition.

Facing the first-place Erie SeaWolves for the third time this season, Packer turned in a masterful, seven-inning, 10-strikeout performance Friday night, leading the Aeros to a 3-0 victory at Jerry Uht Park.

It was 47 degrees in Erie at game time, but thanks to Packer, the SeaWolves' bats stayed even colder. Matching his season-high of seven innings pitched, Packer set a new personal best with his 10 punch-outs. For the second straight start, both against Erie, he did not walk a batter.

Packer (2-5) is now 2-0, with a 0.47 ERA against the SeaWolves, who entered play Friday with the most wins in the Eastern League. They were also tied for the league's top team batting average at .271.

A slight mechanical adjustment suggested by pitching coach Greg Hibbard during the team's recent road trip to Binghamton has seemingly paid huge dividends for the Aeros' 25-year-old southpaw. Packer scattered five hits on a night when he lowered his ERA to 3.33.

For the first six innings, Erie starter Patrick Cooper (2-4) matched Packer zero for zero. It was in the top of the seventh when the Aeros finally broke through to provide some run-support for their starter.

Following a lead-off double by Cedric Hunter, Cooper recorded two outs on a line-out to short by Jesus Aguilar and a groundout to short by Quincy Latimore. After a walk to Carlos Moncrief, Cooper surrendered a two-run double to center by Akron's Roberto Perez to make it 2-0. It was Perez's fourth double and 10th RBI. In the eighth inning, Tyler Holt provided some insurance with an RBI single to score Jose Ramirez who had doubled.

The emerging Akron offense, ranked fourth in the league in hitting entering play on Friday, collected seven hits after pounding out 12 each of the last two games.

Packer gave way to the bullpen after throwing 92 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. Rob Bryson worked the eighth, and Bryce Stowell struck out the side in the ninth to record his third save. The three Akron pitchers combined to strike out 14 in the whitewash.

The Aeros (22-26) are now 3-1 in shutout games this year, and improved to 3-4 against the SeaWolves (28-18).

The Aeros and SeaWolves will continue the series Saturday night at 7:05. RHP Paolo Espino (1-1, 4.56) will get the start for Akron, while the SeaWolves will counter with RHP Warwick Saupold (3-1, 2.67). The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and online at www.sportsradio1350.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at 330-253-5151. Follow them on twitter @akronaeros or on Facebook at facebook.com/theakronaeros.

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Eastern League Stories from May 24, 2013


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