Akron Rallies for 12-Inning Win

RICHMOND, Va. - Matt Lawson laced a two-run double in the top of the twelfth inning, which capped a three-run frame for the Akron Aeros (81-59) in their 4-1 victory in 12 innings over the Richmond Flying Squirrels (70-70) in the second game of a four-game series at The Diamond Saturday night. Luke Anders went 2-for-4 and drove in the lone run for Richmond, which fell to 13-4 in extra-innings games this season.

The Aeros pushed a run across in the top of the third. Adam Abraham reached on a fielding error by Squirrels shortstop Ehire Adrianza. Abraham advanced to second on Jesus Aguilar's single. Then, Squirrels starter Craig Westcott issued consecutive walks to Lawson and Nick Weglarz, the latter of which resulted in an RBI as Abraham trotted home from third base.

Richmond's offense was held in check for most of the night as Akron starter Danny Salazar limited the Squirrels to four hits in six scoreless innings. After Salazar exited the contest, Akron reliever Trey Haley worked two innings of scoreless relief and he allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out four batters.

But the Squirrels managed to score a run off Preston Guilmet in the bottom of the ninth. After Juan Perez drew a leadoff walk, Guilmet retired the next two Richmond batters. But Perez stole second base with Anders at the plate. Anders lined a single into right field and Perez raced home with the tying run, which made it a 1-1 ballgame and forced extra innings.

After neither team scored in the tenth and eleventh innings, the Aeros broke through in the top of the twelfth. Richmond reliever Tom Vessella retired Jordan Henry to start the inning. But he issued consecutive walks to Tyler Holt and Abraham. Aguilar followed with an RBI single to right field that resulted in a fielding error by Nick Liles. Holt scored on the play and Abraham advanced to third base while Aguilar wound up at second base. Following a pitching change, Lawson ripped a two-run double down the left field line, which extended Akron's lead to 4-1.

Rob Bryson retired the Squirrels in order in the bottom of the twelfth to seal Akron's win. Bryce Stowell (2-1) worked two scoreless innings and earned the win for Akron. Vessella (3-4) took the loss.

The Squirrels will attempt to end their two-game slide when the two teams meet in the third game of a four-game set Sunday night at The Diamond. Richmond will send RHP Chris Heston (9-7, 2.13) to the mound. Akron is expected to counter with RHP Brett Brach (4-7, 3.90). Pregame coverage will begin on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com at 4:35 PM. First pitch is slated for 5:05 PM.