Ralphy's Homer Wrecks Reading in 3-1 Akron Win
EL Akron RubberDucks

Ralphy's Homer Wrecks Reading in 3-1 Akron Win

Published on April 2, 2026 under Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Ralphy Velazquez launched a two-run home run while Akron pitching combined to strikeout 12 in the Akron RubberDucks season opening 3-1 win over the Reading Fightin Phils on Thursday night at 7 17 Credit Union Park.

Turning Point

Scoreless entering the bottom of the third, Angel Genao jump started the offense with a single to center. Velazquez followed with a no-doubt blast over the batter's eye in center field to give Akron the 2-0 lead.

Mound Presence

Khal Stephen got the Opening Day nod for Akron. The right-hander ran into early trouble allowing back-to-back singles to open the game but settled in quickly to escape the jam without allowing a run. In total, Stephen struck out four over four scoreless innings while allowing just the two first inning singles. Matt Jachec followed with two scoreless innings and two strikeouts. Alaska Abney worked around two baserunners by striking out three in his scoreless inning. Reading was able to crack the scoreboard in the eighth with a run off Jack Jasiak, but the right-hander limited the damage by getting back-to-back strikeouts to end the threat. Hunter Stanley picked up the save with a scoreless ninth.

Duck Tales

Akron added to its lead in the seventh. With a runner on second, Alex Mooney reached on a two-base error that allowed Nick Mitchell to score from second and make it 3-0 RubberDucks.

Notebook

The win marked the second consecutive year Akron has picked up the Opening Day win...The win also marked the first time Akron has won at home on Opening Day since 2021...Velazquez's home run was his fifth in six career games against Reading...Akron's 12 strikeouts in the win are the most by a Ducks staff on Opening Day since five Akron arms combined to strikeout 15 SeaWolves on Opening Day 2023...Game Time: 2:29...Attendance: 4,589.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks will continue their series against the Reading Fightin Phils at 7 17 Credit Union Park on Friday, April 3 at 7:17 p.m. Akron left-hander Josh Hartle will take the mound against Reading right-hander Kyle Brnovich. The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.

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Eastern League Stories from April 2, 2026


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