Rodriguez Single and Dion Six Guide Akron to 2-1 Win
July 19, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Summary
The Akron RubberDucks and Richmond Flying Squirrels donned their Copa identities on Wednesday night as Johnathan Rodriguez's early two-run single backed Will Dion's six shutout innings as Los Perros Calientes de Akron beat Las Ardillas Voladores de Richmond 2-1 at Canal Park.
Turning Point
Akron got its offense going early as Petey Halpin reached on an error to open the bottom of the first. After Jose Tena reached via the hit-by-pitch, a wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third. Rodriguez singled up the middle to plate both and put Akron ahead 2-0.
Mound Presence
The early two spot was enough to support the strong start from Dion. The left-hander allowed a hit in the first and a walk in the second but got double play balls to escape both innings without harm. After surrendering a one-out single in the third, Dion settled in to retire the final 12 in a row to finish six scoreless innings while striking out seven. Davis Sharpe followed allowing one run on three hits while striking out two over an inning and two-thirds. Franco Aleman struck out three of the four he faced over a perfect inning and a third to earn the save.
Duck Tales
Perros Calientes had a base runner reach in four more innings after the first, but only two advanced into scoring position. Akron finished going 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position while leaving three on base.
Notebook
Aleman's save was his first in Double-A...In three starts at Canal Park (all victories for Akron), Dion has struck out 20 batters while allowing just two runs over 18 innings...Rodriguez two-run single in the first brings his team-leading RBI total to 49, which is fourth most in the Eastern League...Game Time: 2:15...Attendance: 4,118.
On the Pond
The RubberDucks will continue their series at Canal Park against the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Thursday, July 20 at 6:35 p.m. Akron right-hander Tanner Burns (3-3, 3.34 ERA) will take on Richmond righty Carson Seymour (0-2, 4.08 ERA). The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for all RubberDucks home games, are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.
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