Santana's Slam Propels Aeros
Published on April 15, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
AKRON, OH - Carlos Santana belted a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning and that one swing proved to be the difference as Akron defeated Altoona 4-1 before 1,255 fans on the first Education Day of the season Wednesday morning at Canal Park. The Aeros finished their opening homestand of the year at 5-1 while keeping the Curve winless at 0-6.
Akron starter Hector Rondon whiffed a pair of hitters in the top of the first, and the offense went right to work in the bottom half. Josh Rodriguez led off with a walk against Altoona left-hander Tony Watson, and Carlos Rivero flared a single into shallow center field. Beau Mills then surprised everyone with a perfect bunt down the third base line that came to a rest on the chalk to load the bases, and Santana then hammered a 2-1 fastball deep over the fence in left-center for a quick 4-0 lead.
Rondon (2-0) took over from there, working into the sixth before departing. He allowed just one run and four hits in 5.2 innings, walking one and striking out five. Watson (0-2) didn't make it out of the first inning for Altoona, surrendering all four runs on four hits in just 0.2 innings. He walked one and struck out two.
Carlton Smith made his Akron debut out of the bullpen with 1.1 innings of perfect relief, and Erik Stiller survived a scare in the eighth, allowing a single and hitting a batter to bring the potential tying run to the plate with just one out before a pair of fly balls ended the threat. Closer Vinnie Pestano surrendered a leadoff double in the ninth before recording the final three outs in order to notch his third save in as many chances. Santana finished 1-3 with a walk and four RBI, and has driven in eight of his 10 runs and hit both of his homers in Rondon's two starts. Mills went 3-4 and Niuman Romero finished 2-4.
The Aeros now hit the road to begin a weeklong trip to Bowie and Harrisburg. Game one of the four-game series with the Baysox is set for 7:05 p.m. Thursday, with Akron's Frank Herrmann (1-0, 1.50 ERA) taking on Bowie southpaw Troy Patton (1-0, 0.00 ERA), who beat the Aeros Friday. The game broadcast begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.
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