The SeaWolves fell behind in the first inning and then went on a roll as they took the series opener over the Akron RubberDucks, 11-3, on Friday night at Canal Park. It was the most runs Erie scored in a game since they put up 14 runs at Altoona on
The SeaWolves fell behind in the first inning and then went on a roll as they took the series opener over the Akron RubberDucks, 11-3, on Friday night at Canal Park. It was the most runs Erie scored in a game since they put up 14 runs at Altoona on May 12.
The Ducks jumped ahead in the bottom of the first inning against Erie starter Matt Manning. Mitch Longo led off with a single. Manning struck out the next two batters before walking Connor Marabell to keep the inning going. Andruw Monasterio followed with a three-run home run to left for a 3-0 Akron lead.
Erie battled back to tie the game in the top of the third against Akron starter Tanner Tully. Luke Burch and Isaac Paredes connected on back-to-back two-out singles, keeping the inning alive for Jose Azocar. Azocar put Erie on the board with a single to right making it 3-1. Frank Schwindel followed with a base hit to right. On the play, Paredes scored on the single and Azocar scored on an error by the right fielder Trenton Brooks, tying the game 3-3.
The SeaWolves took the lead in the top of the fifth. Burch and Paredes each singled with one out to put runners on first and second. Azocar hit into a fielder's choice and beat out a potential double play ball to put runners on the corners for Schwindel. Schwindel doubled to deep right center, plating a pair for a 5-3 lead.
Erie then took a commanding lead in the sixth. Kody Eaves led off and homered on the first pitch of the inning. The solo blast was his seventh and put Erie on top 6-3. Sergio Alcántara then singled and it was the last batter Tully would face. The Ducks summoned Anthony Gose who retired the first two batters he faced before allowing a single to Burch to extend the frame. Paredes walked, loading the bases for Azocar. Azocar singled home Alcantara and on a botched rundown, Burch scored to make it 8-3. Schwindel singled home Paredes and Azocar for a 10-3 lead. Josh Lester then walked and extended the frame for Eaves. Eaves sent a pop-fly to the first baseman Nellie Rodríguez who dropped the ball, plating Schwindel for an 11-3 advantage.
Manning (6-4) earned the win allowing three runs on three hits with four walks and seven strikeouts in five innings of work.
Tully (5-7) took the loss for Akron allowing seven runs, six earned, on 10 hits with a walk and three strikeouts in six-plus innings of work.
Three Erie relievers Joe Navilhon, Nolan Blackwood and Will Vest kept Akron off the scoreboard for the final four innings of the game.
The SeaWolves and RubberDucks continue the series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Beau Burrows (0-0, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound for Erie against LHP Zach Draper (0-0, 0.00 ERA).
