EL1 Akron RubberDucks

RubberDucks Win Series Opener vs. Richmond

Published on August 27, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Akron's Yandy Diaz ripped an RBI double to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning Thursday night, snapping a tie score and lifting the RubberDucks to a 6-5 win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels in the opener of a four-game series at Canal Park.

Turning Point

The RubberDucks (68-63) trailed 5-4, going to the bottom of the eighth inning, but shortstop Eric Stamets belted a lead- off homer to left off Tyler Mizenko (4-3) to tie the game, 5-5. It was Stamets' first homer in the Indians organization. After an infield hit by Justin Toole and an intentional walk to Carlos Moncrief, Diaz stepped to the plate and lined a double to right field. Toole scored on the play to give Akron a 6-5 lead. It was Diaz's team-high 53rd RBI of the year.

Mound Presence

Each team used five pitchers in the game. Louis Head (3-3) earned the win, despite facing only one batter in the eighth and giving up an RBI single that gave Richmond the lead, 5-4. Once, Akron claimed the lead, closer Jeff Johnson came on in the ninth and worked around a lead-off single to pick up his 24th save. He also saved Wednesday's 5-3 win at

Trenton. Right-hander Adam Plutko started for Akron and gave up two runs, one earned, in 5 2/3 innings. He walked none and struck out six.

Duck Tales

Moncrief made a sensational, running catch in the ninth on a drive hit by Rando Moreno. Richmond's Myles Schroder was on second at the team, and would have scored to tie the game if not for Moncrief's catch. Diaz was 2-4, with two RBI and a walk, and raised his season average to .307. He also drove in a run in the fifth inning with an RBI single. Stamets' homer was just the second allowed by Mizenko in 47 2/3 innings this season.

Notes

The win snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Flying Squirrels, dating back to last season. They had lost six straight this season...The RubberDucks pulled to within one game of the EL Wild Card spot, as second-place Altoona lost at home to Trenton, 6-4...There are 11 games left in the regular season...Time of game: 3:05...Attendance: 4,554.

Up Next

The RubberDucks and Flying Squirrels (64-65) will play Game 2 of the series on Friday night at 7:05. LHP Shawn Morimando is expected to start for Akron. RHP Tyler Beede is the announced starter for Richmond. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM and at www.akronrubberducks.com.

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Eastern League Stories from August 27, 2015


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