EL1 Akron RubberDucks

RubberDucks blank Thunder

Published on May 2, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Summary

Akron lefty Shawn Morimando tossed seven shutout innings, and right-hander Benny Suarez followed with two scoreless innings in his Double-A debut, as the RubberDucks blanked the Trenton Thunder, 7-0, Saturday night at ARM & HAMMER Park.

Turning Point

The RubberDucks (11-11) batted around and scored four unearned runs in the top of the fourth inning against Trenton starter Miguel Sulbaran (2-1). Third baseman Eric Jagielo committed errors on back-to-back hitters, opening the door for the rally. Jagielo dropped Jeremy Lucas's ground ball with the bases loaded, allowing a run to score. Then, with the bases still loaded, Jagielo smothered Justin Toole's smash down the third base line, but threw wildly to first allowing a pair of runs to score to make it 3-0. Tyler Naquin then lifted a high pop-up behind second base that got lost in the early evening twilight and dropped for an RBI single to make it 4-0.

Mound Presence

Morimando (2-2) was in total command from the get-go on Saturday. He worked a season-high, seven innings, and allowed just three harmless singles. He walked three and struck out six. The RubberDucks defense turned a pair of double plays for Morimando, who threw 102 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. Suarez, who arrived from Single-A Lynchburg on Saturday, worked the final two innings, allowing just one hit and striking out three.

Duck Tales

Naquin enjoyed a three-hit night, and extended his hitting streak to six games. SS Erik Gonzalez was 2-4, with a double and triple, and has four extra-base hits in the series. 3B Yandy Diaz had two more hits, including an RBI single in the fifth inning. He raised his average to .265, and has two RBI in the series. LF Anthony Gallas was held hitless in four at-bats, snapping his seven-game hitting streak.

Notes

The RubberDucks now have three shutouts, two of which have been anchored by Morimando...The RubberDucks pitching staff was ranked 2nd in the league with a 2.73 ERA going into Saturday. After the whitewash, the team ERA dropped to 2.62...Akron has left 32 men on base in the series...Time of game: 2:46...Attendance: 4,492.

Up Next

The RubberDucks and Thunder will conclude the series on Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock. RHP Mike Clevinger will start for Akron, and RHP Taylor Garrison will get the ball for Trenton. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and at www.akronrubberducks.com.

Check out the Akron RubberDucks Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from May 2, 2015


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