SeaWolves Shut Out By Akron to Open Series
The SeaWolves were shut out for the fourth time this season, dropping the first game of their seven game series with Akron, 3-0. Erie stranded seven runners on base on the night, including four at third base. The bullpen staff was tasked with seven innings of work on short notice,
The SeaWolves were shut out for the fourth time this season, dropping the first game of their seven game series with Akron, 3-0. Erie stranded seven runners on base on the night, including four at third base. The bullpen staff was tasked with seven innings of work on short notice, and struck out seven batters while only surrendering two walks.
Erie only got one inning from their starting pitcher, Paul Richan. Richan stranded a runner at second base after the opening frame, but was replaced by Joe Navilhon at the start of the second inning.
Navilhon spun a career day despite the tough situation. He tossed four innings to match a career-high mark. After he started with three scoreless innings, Navilhon was struck for a pair of runs in the fifth. Will Benson tripled to center field to drive in a run, and a sacrifice fly brought in Benson.
Yaya Chentouf was tasked with the next few innings for Erie, and only allowed one base hit over the two frames. Billy Lescher took over in the eighth inning, and allowed an unearned run. Alex Call doubled with one out in the inning, and when Call attempted to steal third base, catcher Jon Rosoff’s throw slipped into left field, allowing Call to score.
The SeaWolves offense was not able to get a key hit against Akron’s Juan Hillman. The lefty tossed six scoreless innings and struck out five batters. Erie pushed runners to third base in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, but still couldn’t make the final push to score a run against Hillman.
Skylar Arias kept Erie from doing anything else on the night. The Akron reliever held Erie without a hit for two innings, and Manuel Alvarez closed the door with a scoreless ninth inning for the save.
Erie and Akron continue their seven game set on Wednesday at Canal Park with a doubleheader to make up a postponed game from earlier in this month. First pitch for the first game is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Erie will return to UPMC Park on June 29 when they face Reading in a six game series.