EL1 Akron RubberDucks

Trenton's Fiorito Stuns RubberDucks with Late Triple

Published on April 22, 2014 under Eastern League (EL1)
Akron RubberDucks News Release


(Trenton, NJ) April 22, 2014 - Infielder and Double-A rookie Dan Fiorito of the Trenton Thunder is trying to make a name for himself in the New York Yankees organization. Clutch hits like the one he had on Tuesday night will definitely help.

Fiorito's two-out, three-run triple in the bottom of the eighth inning Tuesday lifted the Thunder to a 4-3 victory over the Akron RubberDucks in game two of a four-game series at Arm and Hammer Park.

Fiorito, a 23-year-old, non-drafted free agent who signed with the Yankees in August of 2012, out of Manahttanville College, smashed a one-strike fastball from RubberDucks righthander Shawn Armstrong into the right field corner, clearing the bases and erasing a 3-1 Akron lead with one swing. It was Fiorito's second career triple, but certainly the most timely.

Akron righthander Francisco Valera (1-1) retired the Thunder in order in the seventh, and then began the eighth by fanning Rob Segedin. Guarding a 3-1 lead, Valera then gave up a walk and two singles to load the bases. Valera was lifted in favor of the hard-throwing Armstrong, who promptly struck out Yeral Sanchez for the second out.

Fiorito, who had been 0-3, on the night, fouled off a pitch, and then laced an outside fastball all the way to the right field corner to chase home all three runs and set up the improbable victory, the Thunder's second win of the series and fourth win in five tries against the RubberDucks (9-9).

Brandon Pinder (1-0) worked two perfect innings in the eighth and ninth to pick up the win for the Thunder. He was the third pitcher of the night behind starter Bryan Mitchell and reliever Manny Barreda.

The late collapse left Akron starter Joe Colon with another no-decision after a solid performance. Colon gave up a first- inning run and nothing more in six innings of work. He scattered seven hits and walked two. He recorded three strikeouts in his third consecutive six-inning effort. He is still without a win on the season, but has a ERA of 3.18.

Tony Wolters blooped an RBI single to center to tie the game at 1-1, in the fourth inning. Giovanny Urshela belted a solo homer in the sixth to give Akron a 2-1 lead. It was his team-high fourth of the season. Francisco Lindor chipped in an RBI single in the seventh for insurance, extending the lead to 3-1. Tyler Naquin had a pair of triples on the night.

The RubberDucks will send RHP Will Roberts (2-1, 3.50) to the mound when they play game three of the series on Wednesday evening at 7:05. Trenton is expected to tab RHP Zach Nuding (1-0, 2.89) as its starter. Wednesday's game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM in Akron and also via www.AkronRubberDucks.com.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season is the 18th since moving to Canal Park and the first as the RubberDucks.

For more information, including official team merchandise, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. Fans may also follow the team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.

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Eastern League Stories from April 22, 2014


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