EL1 Akron RubberDucks

RubberDucks open season with 7-1 Victory over Mets

Published on April 3, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Binghamton, NY) April 3, 2014 - Giovanny Urshela homered and drove in four runs with a three-hit performance, and righthander Cody Anderson worked six innings as the Akron RubberDucks cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Binghamton Mets in the 2014 season opener Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium.

Anderson (1-0), the Indians organization Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, earned his first Double-A win by twirling six impressive innings. He allowed a first-inning run and then no more, ultimately scattering four hits, walking one, and striking out three. He retired the final seven batters he faced. Anderson made efficient use of his pitches, using 83 pitches to complete his six innings, and throwing 55 of those in the strike zone.

Urshela, a 22-year-old third baseman from Colombia, opened his second campaign in Akron in fine fashion, going 3-4, with a homer, double and four RBI. He snapped a 1-1 tie with a solo shot to left in the fourth inning off Mets starter Darrin Gorski (0-1). He added a two-run double down the left field line in the seventh off lefty T.J. Chism to make it 4-1. In the ninth, he capped his evening with an RBI single.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first, Akron (1-0) tied the game in the top of the second when Jordan Smith led off with a single, moved up on a base hit by Tony Wolters and took third on a passed ball. The next hitter, Tyler Holt, executed a safety squeeze bunt, driving in Smith to tie the game. Gorski bobbled the ball for an error, allowing Holt to reach, but worked out of the inning without allowing another run.

Urshela's homer in the fourth gave the RubberDucks the lead for good. The Ducks later erupted for three insurance runs in the ninth to extend the lead to 7-1.

The RubberDucks bullpen of Giovanni Soto, Shawn Armstrong, and Kyle Crockett combined for three scoreless innings.

Counting his Akron appearances last season, Crockett has now thrown 11 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings at the Double-A level. Shortstop Francisco Lindor was 2-5, with a run scored for Akron. Smith and Wolters each collected his first Double-A hit.

Five Binghamton pitchers issued a combined 11 walks and hit a batter, but stuck out 11.

The RubberDucks and B-Mets (0-1) will play game two of the series on Friday night at 7:05. RHP Joe Colon (NR) will make his Akron debut against RHP Rainy Lara (NR) of Binghamton.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season the 18th since moving to Canal Park and its first since becoming the RubberDucks. The home opener at Canal Park is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th at 6:35 p.m. against the Bowie Baysox.

For more information and merchandise featuring the Akron RubberDucks, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. The Akron RubberDucks are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.

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Eastern League Stories from April 3, 2014


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