EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Thunder victorious over Akron RubberDucks, 5-4

Published on May 2, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


Summary A sacrifice fly by Trenton's Gary Sanchez in the bottom of the 18th inning completed a two-run, game-winning rally as the Thunder stunned the Akron RubberDucks, 5-4, early Saturday morning at Arm and Hammer Park.

Turning Point The RubberDucks (10-11) broke a 3-3 stalemate with a run in the top of the 18th inning on a double by Erik Gonzalez and RBI single by Yandy Diaz. The lead was short-lived, however, as the Thunder (11-10) scored twice in the bottom of the 18th against Akron righthander Jacob Lee (1-2). Trenton's Aaron Judge singled to lead off the inning, and scored one out later on a double by Eric Jagielo. On the play, Jagielo took third base on an errant throw to the plate by Gonzalez. Sanchez then lifted a fly ball to center field, plenty deep enough to score Jagielo with the winning run.

Mound Presence The teams combined to use 15 pitchers, although the Thunder finished by using a pair of position players as relievers. Outfielder Taylor Dugas (1-0) earned the win, despite allowing a run in the top of the 18th. Dugas entered the game as a pinch-runner in the 11th inning, walked and flied out as the DH, and then pitched the 18th. Dan Fiorito, normally an infielder, tossed two scoreless innings in the 16th and 17th. The RubberDucks did not dip into the position-player ranks. Five relievers-Enosil Tejeda, Louis Head, Josh Martin, Trey Haley, and Jeff Johnson-all chipped in two scoreless innings. Lee gave up two runs, but only one earned, in his 1 2/3 innings. The starters, all but forgotten by the end of the game, gave up three runs apiece. Akron's Will Roberts worked six innings, and Trenton's Brady Lail, four.

Duck Tales The RubberDucks scored three times in the fourth inning to take a 3-1 lead. Tony Wolters pulled an RBI single to right field, and Bryson Myles followed with a two-run single, also to right field. It was Myles' first game off the DL. After starting out the game 0-7, Gonzalez stroked doubles in his final two at-bats. Anthony Gallas had a pair of hits, including a double, to extend his hitting streak to seven games (11-34, .324).

Notes There were a combined 147 plate appearances in the game...The RubberDucks managed to leave 21 runners on base...It was the third consecutive extra-inning game for the RubberDucks...The team has played a total of 42 innings in those three games...Ollie Linton left the game in the 17th inning with an apparent right hamstring injury after beating out an infield single...Todd Hankins finished the game, 1-8, which included a drive to the left field wall in the 16th inning that was caught by Thunder LF Mason Williams as he crashed into the fence...Time of game: 5:35...Attendance: 5,718.

Up Next The RubberDucks and Thunder will play the second game of the series on Saturday evening at 7 o'clock. LHP Shawn Morimando will start for Akron, and LHP Miguel Sulbaran will get the ball for Trenton. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM, and at www.akronrubberducks.com.

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Eastern League Stories from May 2, 2015


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