EL1 Akron RubberDucks

RubberDucks Walk in Winning Run

Published on May 14, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Altoona first baseman Josh Bell drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday night, forcing in the winning run in a 5-4 victory over the Akron RubberDucks at People's Natural Gas Field.

Turning Point

Bell's walk punctuated a tumultuous ninth inning for the RubberDucks and righthander Jeff Johnson (0-1). With one out, and the game tied, 4-4, Dan Gamache cracked a single to center field. Johnson then walked shortstop Gift Ngoepe and leadoff hitter Keon Broxton to load the bases. After the walk to Broxton on a borderline pitch, Akron catcher Tony Wolters argued with home plate umpire Blake Felix, and was ejected. Manager David Wallace then joined the discussion and was also tossed. Johnson responded by striking out Altoona's Max Moroff for the second out, but then walked Bell on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Mound Presence

It was the first earned run allowed by Johnson this season. Akron starter Cody Anderson gave up three runs in the first inning, but shut down the Curve (21-11) after that and lasted six innings. He allowed six hits, including a two-run homer by Stetson Allie in the first. Anderson entered the game as the EL's leading pitcher. Altoona righty Jon Kuchno (3-2) earned the win with three innings of relief work.

Duck Tales

Todd Hankins was 4-5, with a pair of solo homers for the RubberDucks (14-20). His second homer, a line shot into the left-field bleachers in the eighth inning off Kuchno, tied the game, 4-4. Erik Gonzalez had a pair of hits, including an RBI triple in the first inning for his team-high 24th RBI. Jordan Smith was 0-3, with a walk, and snapped his six-game hitting

streak.

Notes

The Curve also beat Akron with a bases-loaded walk on April 16...The RubberDucks were 1-8 with runners in scoring position...With a chance to go 5-for-5, Hankins struck out looking in the top of the ninth to strand runners at first and second...Time of game: 2:56...Attendance: 2,464.

Up Next

The RubberDucks and Curve will play game two of the series on Friday evening at 6:00. LHP Ryan Merritt is the scheduled Akron starter, while Altoona is slated to go with LHP Zach Dodson. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM and at www.akronrubberducks.com.

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Eastern League Stories from May 14, 2015


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