EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Sea Dogs Shutout Aeros 1-0

Published on June 12, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


AKRON, OH - The 6,612 fans at Canal Park Friday night witnessed a pitcher's duel throughout as the Portland Sea Dogs defeated the Aeros by the final score of 1-0. Jake Westbrook was impressive in his four innings of work in his second rehab start for Akron, but the Sea Dogs manufactured the only run of the evening in the sixth as their pitching staff allowed just five hits. It was the seventh time this season the Aeros were shutout, and while they dropped to 38-21 they maintained a three-game lead over Reading in the Southern Division. Portland improved to 31-29.

The lone run of the evening came through in the top of the sixth inning against Akron relief pitcher Zach Putnam. Putnam walked Reid Engel, and Mark Wagner's two-out double broke the scoreless tie and gave the Portland pitching staff all the support they would need. It was also the second time this year that the Aeros lost by the final score of 1-0 at home, a feat that also occurred May 22nd against the Erie SeaWolves.

Westbrook, who made his second rehab start on the one-year anniversary of his Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery, held the Sea Dogs to three hits while striking out three in four innings of work. He needed only 45 pitches to get through the Portland lineup, and was helped in the fourth when catcher Carlos Santana blocked the plate and tagged out a sprawling Argenis Diaz to keep the Sea Dogs off the board. Westbrook has now worked seven scoreless innings in his two rehab starts with the Aeros, and will continue his trek back to Cleveland with the Class AAA Columbus Clippers next week.

Portland's Felix Doubront (4-2) matched Westbrook's impressive start with five shutout frames of his own, allowing only four hits while striking out a pair. Sea Dogs relievers Chris Province and Andrew Dobies preserved the lead up until closer T.J. Large recorded the final two outs and earned his seventh save of the season. Putnam (1-2) took the loss for the Aeros, as they dropped only their second game in their last seven.

Cristo Arnal, Beau Mills, Carlos Rivero and Santana all registered singles for Akron, while scorching John Drennen knocked his 12th double of the year and his seventh in 11 games during the month of June. The Aeros were only 1-6 with men in scoring position for the night, as their best rally came in the eighth inning against Dobies. Santana's single came with runners on first and second, but Portland's Iggy Suarez, in his first game at left field on the season, threw out Arnal at home plate to end the eighth.

Game two of this series is Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. for Busson Digital Printing Team Poster Giveaway Night and the second U.S. Army night of the season. The first 2,500 fans inside the gates will receive free team posters courtesy of Busson, and the Aeros will be sporting their new alternate camouflage uniforms for the occasion. Left-hander Ryan Edell (1-0, 2.56 ERA) takes the mound for the Aeros against Portland's Junichi Tazawa (7-3, 2.67), who is currently tied for the Eastern League lead in wins. 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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Eastern League Stories from June 12, 2009


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