SeaWolves Use Big Inning to Sink Aeros, 6-4
Published on May 19, 2013 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Akron, OH- One bad inning can really spoil a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
The Akron Aeros learned that fact the hard way Sunday, as the Erie SeaWolves erased a 2-1 deficit with a five-run sixth inning, and then held on for a 6-4 victory over the Aeros at Canal Park.
The SeaWolves (26-16) own the best record in the Eastern League. They took two of three from the Aeros despite trailing in every game. The Aeros (20-23) have lost five of the last six, and fell to seven games behind the Wolves in the EL West.
Aeros starter Paolo Espino (1-1) cruised through five innings Sunday, and held a 2-1 lead going to the sixth. After Espino gave up a single and walk to start the sixth, manager Edwin Rodriguez decided to go with a fresh arm from the bullpen and called on righthander Trey Haley. Haley, however, experienced his second straight rocky outing.
Haley walked the first two batters he faced, the second of which forced in the tying run. The next two hitters, Wade Gaynor and Luis Castillo, both clubbed two-run doubles to quickly expand the lead to 6-2. Haley left after issuing another walk, and righthander Cole Cook got the final two outs of the inning to put out the fire. Cook went on to toss two more perfect innings after that.
Tyler Holt's solo homer in the sixth made it 6-3, and a sacrifice fly by Quincy Latimore in the eighth scored Holt to make it 6-4, but that was as close as Akron would get. Justin Souza came on to close in the ninth after the Aeros collected a pair of hits. With the tying runs on base, he induced a double play ball from Justin Toole to end the game and notch save number nine.
Erie starter Patrick Cooper (2-3) gave up a long home run to center to Carlos Moncrief in the second inning, and gave up another run in the third to fall behind 2-1. The SeaWolves' rally bailed him out, though, and he worked through six innings to pick up the win.
It was a tough loss for Espino, who, for the fifth straight start, was denied in his bid to become the all-time winningest pitcher in Aeros history. He held the SeaWolves to just two hits and a run through the first five innings, prior to the hit and walk in the sixth. He walked only one, hit two batters, and struck out five. Espino has 23 career wins in an Aeros uniform, which ties him for the franchise record. So far this season, Espino is 1-1, with seven no-decisions.
The Aeros have held leads in each of the last six games, but have gone just 1-5 in those contests.
Sunday was the first game played without leading hitter Chun-Hsiu Chen, who was promoted to Triple-A Columbus after Saturday night's game. Holt hit third in the lineup, and had two hits. Jose Ramirez led the Aeros with a four-hit day, and also stole his league-leading 17th base. Giovanny Urshela was 0-4, ending his 12-game hitting streak.
The Aeros will continue the homestand Monday night at 7:05, as they welcome in the Bowie Baysox for the start of a four-game series. RHP Tim Bascom (0-0. 2.08) will start for Bowie, while RHP Toru Murata (1-2, 3.63) will get the ball for Akron. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and online at www.sportsradio1350.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at 330-253-5151. Follow them on twitter @akronaeros or on Facebook at facebook.com/theakronaeros.
Eastern League Stories from May 19, 2013
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- Sea Dogs Game Notes May 19 vs. Binghamton - Portland Sea Dogs
- Erie SeaWolves at Akron Aeros - Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
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