Erie offense quieted in series opener

The Erie SeaWolves' offense was limited to just two hits and fell 5-1 to the Akron RubberDucks in the series opener on Tuesday at UPMC Park.

Chance Kirby worked around a leadoff double to Micah Pries in the second, a two-out two-bagger to Chris Roller in the sixth, and a one-out double to Brayan Rocchio to give Erie six shutout frames. He allowed four hits and no walks while striking out six. It was his team-leading sixth quality start of the season.

Akron attacked the bullpen in the top of the seventh. Jhonkensy Noel began the frame with a walk against Billy Lescher. Johnathan Rodriguez hit a Baltimore chop over the head of Corey Joyce for a double. Daniel Schneeman poked a two-run single past the drawn-in infield for the game's first runs.

Lescher issued a free pass to Chris Roller before he was pulled for Nick Kuzia. Raynel Delgado bunted both runners to second and third. Jose Tena drove a two-run single up the middle off of Kuzia to put the ‘Ducks ahead, 4-0.

Erie broke up the no-hitter in the bottom of the seventh. Parker Meadows lifted a ball to left-center against Aaron Pinto and a collision occurred between Rodriguez and Roller. Meadows glided around the bases for an inside-the-park homer. It was his 13th round-tripper of the season and he cut the deficit to 4-1.

Bryan Lavastida extended the Akron lead to 5-1 in the eighth with a solo homer off of Bubba Derby.

Gavin Williams (2-3) earned the win. He hurled six hitless, scoreless innings, walking none, and striking out four.

Lescher (1-1) received the loss. He did not record an out, allowed four runs on two hits, and walked two batters.