Spears Delivers Dagger in Aeros' 5-3 Victory over Phils
Published on June 1, 2013 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release
Reading, PA- Aeros infielder Nate Spears suffered a back injury in spring training that delayed the start of his season until last Thursday when he was activated from the disabled list and assigned to the Aeros. It's no surprise that he wants to make up for lost time.
Spears drove in three runs with one swing Saturday night, driving a bases-loaded double off the wall in right for the key hit in the Aeros' 5-3 win over the Reading Fightin' Phils at First Energy Stadium.
The Aeros (26-30) extended their winning streak to a season-high four games. They also continued their mastery over the Fightin Phils, winning for the fifth time in six games against their rival from the EL East.
The win also allowed the Aeros to shave a game off their deficit in the West Division standings. First-place Erie lost their fifth straight, losing 5-2 at Richmond. Thus, the Aeros are now only six games off the pace.
Righthander Brett Brach (2-2) started for Akron, and lasted 5 1/3 innings for his first win as an Aeros starter this season, and his first Akron win since a relief victory on April 24th. Brach gave up only three hits and two runs, with one walk and four strikeouts.
The Phils (20-33) took a 1-0 lead in the fourth when Tyler Henson stroked a solo homer to left. The Aeros responded in the top of the fifth, loading the bases against Hector Neris (3-2) on a walk to Roberto Perez, a single by Ronny Rodriguez and a walk to Jose Ramirez.
Spears was up next, and the 28-year-old veteran socked a long drive off the top of the right field wall, narrowly missing a grand slam, but clearing the bases for a 3-1 Aeros lead. It was his first extra-base hit of the season.
Carlos Moncrief belted a solo homer in the sixth to make it 4-1. It was Moncrief's sixth of the season.
The Phils scored another run off Brach in the sixth on a double by Edgar Duran. Brach gave way to Rob Bryson who recorded the final two outs in the sixth, but then gave up a solo homer to Anthony Hewitt in the seventh to make it 4-3. The Phils have smacked six solo homers in the series and lead the EL with 52.
Rodriguez, who extended his hitting streak to 12 games, delivered an RBI single in the ninth for an Aeros insurance run, and Austin Adams closed in the 8th and 9th for his second save. Adams induced a double-play grounder from Hewitt to end the game with the tying run at the plate.
Akron has played six consecutive games without a single error.
The Aeros wrap up the series and road trip against the Phillies on Sunday afternoon when they go for the sweep at 1:35. RHP Rob Whitenack (0-1, 24.50) will get the ball for Akron, while RHP David Buchanan (1-6, 5.05) is the scheduled starter for Reading. 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 the team on Twitter @akronaeros or on Facebook at facebook.com/theakronaeros.
Eastern League Stories from June 1, 2013
- Fightins Can't Shake Losing Woes in June - Reading Fightin Phils
- Montero, B-Mets Tame Fisher Cats, 6-0 - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Robinson Has Two Hits in 6-0 Loss to Mets - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Rock Cats Hold on to Win 4-3 against Bowie - New Britain Rock Cats
- Spears Delivers Dagger in Aeros' 5-3 Victory over Phils - Akron RubberDucks
- Thunder Win Streak Ends at the Hands of Clay, Senators - Trenton Thunder
- Squirrels Waltz Past Wolves, Take Series, 5-2 - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Fields Doubles Home a Pair on Saturday - Erie SeaWolves
- Mel's Drive In: Rojas, Jr. Smashes Homer to Win It for Curve - Altoona Curve
- B-Mets Game Notes: Game #57 Binghamton Mets (31-24) at New Hampshire Fisher Cats (28-28) - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Erie SeaWolves at Richmond Flying Squirrels Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
- Altoona Curve Game Information: June 1, 2013 - Altoona Curve
- Sea Dogs Game Notes June 1 vs. Altoona - Portland Sea Dogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
