EL1 Akron RubberDucks

RubberDucks Throttle Wolves for 9th Straight Win

Published on May 5, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Erie, PA) May 5, 2014 - It may be a cool spring, but the Akron RubberDucks are the hottest team in the Eastern League.

With a game-time temperature of 49-degrees on Cinco de Mayo, the RubberDucks showcased a blistering offensive performance, and set new season high's with 10 runs and 16 hits in a 10-1 victory over the Erie SeaWolves at Jerry Uht Park.

The win pushed the team's current winning streak to nine games, the most consecutive wins since the 2010 Akron Aeros won 12 in a row. The RubberDucks (19-11) maintained their hold on first place in the EL West, and now have the best record among the league's 12 clubs.

Second baseman Joe Wendle clubbed a grand slam during a five-run fifth inning, as Akron raced to a 6-0 lead against Erie starter Warwick Saupold (2-3). The slam was the first of the year for the RubberDucks and was Wendle's third homer of the season. He later added a triple to finish 2-5 on the night.

Bryan LaHair also went deep for Akron, launching a three-run shot to right in the eighth to make it 10-1. LaHair had three hits on the night, and finished a triple short of the cycle.

All of the offense was plenty for Akron starter Will Roberts, who handcuffed the Seawolves hitters from the get-go.

Roberts (4-2) moved into a tie for the league-lead in wins by going 6 1/3 innings and allowing one run on three hits. He gave up a pair of hits in the seventh and left with runners on second and third. One of the runners scored when reliever Tyler Sturdevant induced a groundout by Erie's Dean Green. Roberts has allowed just one run over his last two starts, covering 12 1/3 innings.

Bryson Myles, Tyler Holt and Tyler Naquin all had two hits. Newcomer Charlie Valerio pinch hit for Holt in the eighth inning and singled in his first AA at-bat. Tony Wolters was 1-5, and extended his hitting streak to seven games. Francisco Lindor was the only Akron player without a hit, and saw his seven-game hitting streak snapped.

The RubberDucks and SeaWolves (12-16) will continue the three-game series on Tuesday evening at 7:05. RHP Toru Murata (1-0, 4.76) will get the start for Akron, while LHP Kyle Ryan (2-3, 4.82) is the announced starter for Erie. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM in Akron and also via www.AkronRubberDucks.com.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season is the 18th since moving to Canal Park and the first as the RubberDucks. For more information, including official team merchandise, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. Fans may also follow the team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.

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Eastern League Stories from May 5, 2014


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