Triple Play Not Enough to Save RubberDucks

(Binghamton, N.Y.) August 23, 2014 - The Akron RubberDucks turned a stunning triple play in Saturday night's game against the Binghamton Mets. Unfortunately, that was the only highlight of the night during a forgettable, 5-1 loss to the Mets at NYSEG Stadium.

Four Binghamton pitchers combined on a three-hitter, led by starter Greg Peavey (11-3), who overcame five walks to earn the win. Hansel Robles, Dario Alvarez, and Cody Satterwhite combined for four innings of scoreless relief as the B-Mets (80-52) claimed their second straight win over Akron.

The loss means the RubberDucks (72-60) are now two games behind first-place Richmond. However, because Richmond defeated Bowie, 7-2, on Saturday night, the RubberDucks' magic number for clinching a playoff spot dropped to four. The top two teams in each division in the EL advance to the post-season. Akron now has nine regular-season games left.

The triple play occurred in the bottom of the sixth with lefty Elvis Araujo on the mound, and Akron trailing, 4-1. Binghamton's Kyle Johnson and Brandon Nimmo led off with back-to-back singles. Johnson stole third base, placing runners on the corners with Herrera batting. Herrera lifted a shallow, sinking liner to center field. Ollie Linton closed ground and made a diving catch. With both runners advancing, Linton popped to his feet and threw to first baseman Bryan LaHair to retire Nimmo for the second out. LaHair then fired to third baseman Justin Toole to retire Johnson, who had already crossed home plate.

The RubberDucks failed to score in the first despite having the bases loaded against Peavey. They did manage to grab a 1-0 lead in the second on an infield hit by Toole, a walk to Linton and an RBI single by Erik Gonzalez, who returned to action after missing nine games with a groin injury. After that, Peavey allowed nothing, eventually striking out a season-high nine runs through his five innings.

The Mets quickly tied the game in the second with three consecutive hits against Duke von Schamann. Catcher Juan Centeno singled home Darrell Ceciliani to tie it, 1-1. The go-ahead run scored in the third without the ball being put in play. Dilson Herrera drew a lead-off walk. He immediately stole second, but Jake Lowery's throw sailed into center field. Herrera broke for third, but Linton's throw from center sailed out of play, allowing Herrera to score to give the Mets a 2-1 lead. The Mets added two more in the fifth against von Schamann (7-8), who lost his second consecutive game. He allowed 10 hits and four earned runs.

Notes: The B-Mets had 15 hits, and have collected 32 in the first two games of the series. The final 11 Akron hitters were retired in order. Thanks to the triple play, Araujo has thrown 14 consecutive scoreless innings over his last 13 outings, dating back to July 17th. Announced attendance was 3,784. 

The RubberDucks and Mets will conclude the series on Sunday afternoon at 1:05. RHP Will Roberts (12-11, 3.96) is the scheduled starter for Akron, while the B-Mets are expected to go with LHP Steven Matz (5-4, 2.35). The game will be broadcast on WARF 1350 AM and online at 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.