The Erie SeaWolves overcame a six-run deficit with seven unanswered runs as they rallied past the Akron RubberDucks, 7-6, on Sunday night at UPMC Park.The Ducks struck first in the top of the first inning against Erie starter Beau Burrows. Ka'ai Tom drew a one-out walk and moved to third
The Erie SeaWolves overcame a six-run deficit with seven unanswered runs as they rallied past the Akron RubberDucks, 7-6, on Sunday night at UPMC Park.
The Ducks struck first in the top of the first inning against Erie starter Beau Burrows. Ka'ai Tom drew a one-out walk and moved to third on a Tyler Krieger double. He scored on a Nellie Rodríguez sacrifice fly for a 1-0 lead.
The RubberDucks would add to their lead in the fifth. Sam Haggerty tripled with one out and Tom singled to put two on base. Krieger tripled home both baserunners for a 3-0 lead. Rodriguez followed with his second sacrifice fly of the night, scoring Krieger for a 4-0 lead.
Akron added a pair of runs in the top of the sixth against Erie reliever Christian Binford. Mark Mathias led off with a single and Daniel Salters doubled. They both came home on a two-out, Haggerty double for a 6-0 lead.
The SeaWolves responded in the bottom of the sixth inning against Akron reliever Nick Sandlin. Erie loaded the bases on a Will Maddox single, Kody Eaves double and Josh Thole hit by pitch. After Sandlin induced a fielder's choice to retire Maddox at the plate, he issued a wild pitch that brought home Eaves for Erie's first run. Danny Woodrow followed with a sacrifice fly, scoring Thole to make it 6-2. Sandlin was lifted in favor of lefty Matt Whitehouse. Whitehouse walked Sergio Alcántara and Isaac Paredes to load the bases. He then hit Josh Lester, scoring Montgomery to make it 6-3. Dominic Ficociello singled home Alcantara and Paredes and to close the gap to a run at 6-5.
Erie then took the lead in the eighth against Akron reliever Jordan Milbrath. With two outs, Paredes singled and Lester walked, putting the go-ahead run on first for Ficociello. Ficociello doubled home both Paredes and Lester, giving the SeaWolves a 7-6 lead.
Akron attempted to rally in the top of the ninth. Trent Szkutnik, who retired four straight hitters entering the ninth, gave up a leadoff double to Tom and hit Krieger to put the tying run in scoring position. Erie summoned John Schreiber. Rodriguez singled through the left side to load the bases on the Erie righty. Shrieber induced a 5-2-3 double play off the bat of Jodd Carter and got Mathias to fly out to center, ending the game, earning his 18th save.
Szkutnik (4-2) earned the win tossing 1.1 scoreless frames.
Milbrath (2-4) took the loss allowing two runs on three hits with a walk and no strikeouts in an inning of work.
Burrows took the no-decision in his final start of 2018 allowing four runs on seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts in 4.1 innings.
The SeaWolves wrap up the season on Monday afternoon at UPMC Park at 1:35 p.m. RHP Matt Manning (0-0, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound for Erie against RHP Cody Anderson (MLB Rehab).
Monday is a Buck Day presented by Budweiser and Rocket 105. Fans can enjoy concessions specials of Smith's Hot Dogs, Pepsi fountain drinks, popcorn and select domestic drafts for just $1 each.
