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Rock Cats Complete Sweep of Akron

August 24, 2008 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - Jay Rainville struck out a season-high 11 batters and Danny Valencia homered as the Rock Cats held on for a 3-2 win over Akron before a crowd of 6,015 at New Britain Stadium.

The Rock Cats made history as the team not only took three-straight from Akron at home, but also completed a sweep of the season series from the Aeros for the first time ever. The ‘Cats won each of the games during this home series with Akron by the score of 3-2.

It appeared Akron would take an early lead off Rainville when Joshua Rodriguez led off the game with a triple to center field. Rodriguez was stranded at third, however, as Rainville bounced back to retire the next three batters including striking out two.

Rainville (9-9) limited the Aeros to one run on six hits through six innings as he turned in perhaps his finest outing of the year. Frank Mata added 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief before Jose Mijares closed out the game for his first save of the season.

The Rock Cats struck first with two runs in the second inning. Brian Dinkelman and Drew Butera started the inning off with back-to-back singles. Toby Gardenhire followed with a single to right field that scored Dinkelman for a 1-0 lead. Butera then scored on a groundout by Matt Tolbert.

Valencia added to the lead in the sixth inning when he fouled two pitches off his foot before driving a 3-2 pitch over the outfield wall that put the Rock Cats on top, 3-1.

Kevin Dixon (8-10) tossed seven solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, but suffered the loss for Akron.

David Winfree was hit by a pitch in the hand during his first at-bat in the first inning. He left the game after the final out of the inning.



Eastern League Stories from August 24, 2008


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