Phils Hammer Aeros to Avoid Sweep
June 2, 2013 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Reading, PA- Reading's Tommy Mendonca was 5-5, with three RBI, and starting pitcher David Buchanan worked seven strong innings Sunday afternoon as the Fightin' Phils throttled the Akron Aeros, 8-1, in the final game of a three-game series at First Energy Stadium.
The Aeros (26-31) won the series, two-games to one, but saw their four-game winning streak come to an end. After an off-day on Monday, the Aeros will get back to action at Canal Park when they host New Hampshire (Blue Jays) Tuesday night at 7:05.
The Phils (21-33) jumped on Akron starter Rob Whitenack with four runs on five hits in the first inning. They added three more in the second, chasing the righthander from the game after two innings. Mendonca stroked an RBI triple in the first, and added a two-run single in the second, as the Phils built a 7-0 lead.
Whitenack (0-2) was starting for just the second time this season for Akron. He allowed eight hits and walked two.
Buchanan (2-6) held the Aeros scoreless until Giovanny Urshela socked a solo homer in the seventh to wreck the shutout. It was Urshela's fourth homer of the year. Buchanan scattered five hits, walked three and struck out three, and picked up his first win since April 9th.
Mendonca, the MVP of the 2008 College World Series while playing for Fresno State, added three more singles to finish 5-5. He raised his batting average from .254 to .313.
Cole Cook relieved Whitenack and tossed four innings for Akron, allowing just one run.
Aeros second baseman Ronny Rodriguez was 0-3, snapping his 12-game hitting streak. Jose Ramirez was 1-4, and has now hit in eight straight. The Aeros played their seventh straight game without an error.
The Aeros are off Monday. The team will begin a six-game homestand at Canal Park on Tuesday night at 7:05, against New Hampshire. RHP Marcus Stroman (1-1, 8.10) will get the ball for New Hampshire, while RHP Will Roberts (4-2, 4.08) is the scheduled starter for Akron. 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 the team on Twitter @akronaeros or on Facebook at facebook.com/theakronaeros.
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