RubberDucks Take 3-2 Opener over First-Place Bowie
June 15, 2021 - Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Akron designated hitter Oscar González hit a go-ahead RBI double in the sixth inning, and three RubberDucks relievers combined for 4 2/3 hitless, scoreless innings in a 3-2 series-opening win over the first-place Bowie Baysox at Prince George's Stadium Tuesday night.
Turning Point
After Bowie right fielder Doran Turchin tied the game, 2-2, with a fifth-inning home run (Bowie's last hit of the game), Akron responded by retaking the lead in the sixth inning. Bowie right-hander Tyler Joyner walked center fielder Alex Call, who stole second base and went to third base when catcher Adley Rutschman threw to an uncovered second base. González then double to left-center field to give the RubberDucks the lead for good.
Mound Presence
Matched against top Orioles pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez - who yielded two runs in 4 2/3 innings - Akron right-hander Thomas Ponticelli kept Bowie scoreless through the first four innings. In the third with the bases loaded and one out, he got Rutschman to ground into an inning-ending double play. He yielded Turchin's fifth-inning, game-tying home run and was relieved with one out. Right-hander Manuel Alvarez walked two batters but escaped the bases-loaded jam with a strikeout. Right-hander Aaron Pinto pitched three hitless innings, striking out six batters and walking one. Left-hander Francisco Pérez worked around a two-out walk to earn his second save in as many appearances.
Duck Tales
The RubberDucks broke a scoreless tie in the third inning, when Rodriguez walked right fielder Will Benson, third baseman Andruw Monasterio doubled to right field, and first baseman Josh Rolette grounded out to drive in the run. In the fourth inning, Call hit a leadoff double, went to third base on a groundout, and scored on left fielder Chris Roller's two-out RBI single.
Notebook
Akron gave Bowie its second home loss in 12 games this season...Second baseman Richie Palacios was 0-for-4 to snap an eight-game hitting streak...Pinto matched a season high with six strikeouts and pitched his third three-scoreless-inning appearance of the season...Time of game: 3:02...Attendance: 4,963.
On the Pond
The RubberDucks continue their six-game series in Bowie at 6:35 p.m. EDT Wednesday. Akron RHP Shane McCarthy (0-1, 5.26 ERA) scheduled to face Baysox RHP Ofelky Peralta (2-0, 3.20 ERA). The game broadcast, powered by FirstEnergy, is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on MiLB.TV. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.
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