Double Play Ball Bites Aeros in 'Wolves Win

Akron, OH- The Aeros' offense didn't have much trouble with runners reaching base Tuesday night, but cashing them in and keeping Erie off them was a different tale, as Akron fell to Erie 5-2 at Canal Park.

The SeaWolves used a series of twin killers in various forms to end multiple Akron rally attempts, which paved the way for the Erie getaway.

Making his highly anticipated Akron Aeros debut was shortstop Francisco Lindor, who went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks, and was an early victim of the 'Wolves double play binge.

In the first inning, after second baseman Ronny Rodriguez botched a grounder and allowed the leadoff man to reach base, Eugenio Suarez quickly made the Aeros pay by hammering his sixth home run over the left field wall and grabbed the initial 2-0 lead.

Akron starter Brett Brach (5-6, 4.77) battled back, as he settled down and was able to retire the next nine men he faced before running into more trouble in the fourth. A pair of singles followed by a fielder's choice by Tyler Collins allowed Erie to extend their advantage to 3-0.

Meanwhile, Brach's counterpart, Warwick Saupold had some of his own problems as far as getting batters out, but was able to ride three double plays to get out of the four innings he threw.

One man in particular who gave Saupold a headache was Rodriguez, who redeemed himself at the plate, as he singled in his first three plate appearances, which included a two-out RBI after a Carlos Moncrief triple, to get Akron on the board in the fourth at 3-1. Rodriguez went 3-for-3 and drove in both of the Aeros' runs.

On the night, Saupold allowed one run off five hits, struck out two and walked a pair. Replacing the right-hander was Tyler Clark (1-0, 3.24), who used some double play magic of his own, as he gave Erie three innings of shutout relief.

In total, the Aeros' offense was preyed into five double plays.

As Brach marched on into the seventh, a pair of passed balls off the catcher Jake Lowery's glove gave way for another 'Wolves run, which extended the lead to 4-1. For the evening, Brach went seven complete innings; surrendered four runs with just two of them earned off five hits, struck out six and walked one.

Relief man Shawn Armstrong failed to get out of the eighth, as the righty gave up a run off two hits and two walks, leaving the bases loaded for Enosil Tejeda, who was able to escape the inning without any further damage.

Akron will look to nab the series victory tomorrow afternoon, with the series finale set for 12:05 p.m.

Wednesday's Promotions: It's Big Splash Day at Canal Park! The Akron Fire Department truck will be here to spray kids down with water hose; we'll have water guns, water balloons, plus other fun water-related games all afternoon!

Akron (46-50) wraps up their series and the home stand Wednesday afternoon against the Erie SeaWolves (49-45) at 12:05. RHP Will Roberts (6-7, 4.30) is the announced starter the Aeros, while RHP Victor Larez (6-7, 5.03) is the expected starter for the SeaWolves. 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.