RubberDucks Open Hot
April 9, 2015 - Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Akron RubberDucks Pitcher Will Roberts
(Akron RubberDucks, Credit: David Monseur)
Shortstop Erik Gonzalez socked a pair of doubles and drove in four runs on Thursday night as the Akron RubberDucks defeated the Binghamton Mets, 14-5, in the 2015 season opener at Canal Park.
Turning Point
The RubberDucks strung together four consecutive doubles, including one by Gonzalez, and scored three times in the fifth to erase a 4-1 deficit. Then, with the game tied 4-4, the RubberDucks (1-0) batted around in the sixth inning, scoring five more runs to take a 9-4 lead. Gonzalez delivered the key blow when he ripped a three-run double to left field off B-Mets righty Domingo Tapia (0-1). Gonzalez finished 2-4, with a walk and a pair of runs scored.
Mound Presence
Righthander Josh Martin (1-0) earned his first AA victory with two scoreless innings of relief. Martin, a former fourth-round pick out of Enterprise, Alabama, entered the game in the sixth with the score tied at 4-4. He allowed just one hit, and struck out the side in the seventh. RHP Will Roberts started for the RubberDucks, working the first five innings. After tossing four scoreless innings to start the game, Roberts allowed four runs in the fifth. He fanned four and walked one.
Duck Tales
The RubberDucks collected 17 hits off four Binghamton hurlers. Second baseman Todd Hankins was 3-5, with a double, stolen base, RBI, and three runs scored in his Double-A debut. Centerfielder Jordan Smith, hitting behind Hankins in the lineup, was 2-3, with a double and two RBI. Catcher Tony Wolters enjoyed a three-hit night, finishing 3-5, with a pair of RBI. It was Wolters' first game since last July 26th when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. Every Akron player had at least one hit.
Notes
The game was delayed 36 minutes at the start due to rain...The B-Mets committed three errors...Binghamton 3B Dustin Lawley hit the game's only homer, a solo shot leading off the fifth inning...Hankins' stolen base in the third inning was the 104th of his career...Time of game was 3:22...Attendance: 6,808.
Up Next
The RubberDucks and B-Mets will play game two of the four-game series on Friday night at 6:35. RHP Rainy Lara will pitch for Binghamton, while RHP Cody Anderson is the expected starter for Akron. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and at www.akronrubberducks.com.
Images from this story
 Akron RubberDucks Pitcher Will Roberts (David Monseur) |
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