EL1 Akron RubberDucks

R-Phils Snap Akron's Streak, Defeat Aeros 4-1

Published on July 22, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


READING, PA - The Reading Phillies ended a seven-game winning streak for the Aeros Thursday night, defeating Akron 4-1 in front of a home crowd of 8,319 fans at First Energy Stadium. Starting pitcher Drew Naylor went eight efficient innings for Reading as his team led throughout the contest thanks to a first inning run against Aeros starter Nick Hagadone. Despite the loss, Akron (52-46) remains only a half-game behind second-place Bowie in the Western Division while the Phillies improved to 48-49 this season.

Reading second baseman Harold Garcia recorded the early blow with one out in the first against Hagadone. On a 2-1 pitch, he homered for the first time this season, giving the Phillies a very quick 1-0 lead that they would preserve for the rest of the night.

The lefty Hagadone, who returned from the disabled list earlier in the day, left after three innings in favor of usual Aeros starter Eric Berger due to a limited pitch count. Berger then promptly allowed the game's second one-out homer in the bottom of the fourth inning, yet again to left field and this time by Reading third baseman Kevin Mahar.

Akron finally pounced on Naylor in the fifth, as shortstop Carlos Rivero hit a leadoff double for the first hit in a span of 13 batters. Rivero then advanced to third base on a groundout by catcher Miguel Perez and scored immediately after on an RBI single to left by second baseman Cristo Arnal. The run cut the deficit to 2-1, but the Phillies responded yet again.

Leadoff center fielder Michael Spidale doubled with two outs in the bottom of that fifth and Mahar collected his second RBI on a single to right. Reading scored their final run of the night in the seventh on a Spidale single before eventually stranding the bases loaded.

Naylor (9-7) was dominant in earning the victory, allowing multiple base runners in only the fifth inning. He became one of five Eastern League pitchers to win nine games this season and recorded five strikeouts against four hits, two walks and the lone run of the game. Hagadone (1-1) took his first Double-A loss in seven games, permitting just one run in three innings before Berger gave up three more (two earned) in his three frames. Reading closer Justin De Fratus then picked up his first save with a shutout ninth.

Arnal was the only Aero to reach base multiple times overall as he finished 1-for-2 with a walk and the game's only RBI. First baseman Matt McBride doubled to extend his road on-base streak to 42 consecutive games while red-hot second baseman Jason Kipnis earned the night off after hitting safely in the first seven games after the EL All-Star Break.

The Aeros look to get back to their winning ways as this four-game weekend series continues Friday night at 7:05 p.m. at First Energy Stadium in Reading. Akron left-hander Scott Barnes (5-8, 4.95 ERA) hopes to continue his hot pitching in July against recently named Phillies starter John Ennis (2-0, 3.03 ERA). Join Jim Clark for Friday night's radio broadcast beginning at 6:50 p.m. on Fox Sports 1350 AM and at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Akron Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

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Eastern League Stories from July 22, 2010


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