Lucas' single gives 'Ducks 9th-inning win, 3-2

RubberDucks 3 Yard Goats 2

WP: Cole Sulser (1-4) LP: Jerry Vasto (3-2) SV: none

Summary

Akron's Jeremy Lucas ripped a game-winning, RBI single to left field with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, and handed the RubberDucks a thrilling, 3-2 victory over the Hartford Yard Goats Wednesday night at Canal Park.

Turning Point

With the score tied, 2-2, two outs and no one on base in the ninth, Hartford closer Jerry Vasto (3-2) issued back-to-back walks to Todd Hankins and Greg Allen. Lucas then pulled a base hit down the third base line that eluded Yard Goats third baseman Mike Benjamin. Hankins raced around from second base with the winning run.

Winging It

Julian Merryweather started for Akron and turned in a stunning, eight-inning performance, albeit a no-decision. In his most effective outing of the season, Merryweather allowed one hit, two runs (one earned), walked none and struck out seven. He did not allow a hit until the sixth inning, when Benjamin led off with a single to left. The next hitter, Juan Ciriaco, executed a sacrifice bunt, but Merryweather's throw to first was high and Ciriaco was safe. After a wild pitch moved the runners up, the Yard Goats got an RBI grounder from Noel Cuevas and a sacrifice fly from Ashley Graeter to take a 2-1 lead. Cole Sulser (1-4) pitched a perfect ninth inning and ended up with the win after the Lucas walk-off.

Duck Tales

Lucas also tied the game, 2-2, with an RBI double in the seventh inning off Austin House. Allen stole the show, however, going 4-4 with four singles, and a walk. He stole second base in the seventh, his 40 overall steal of the season. Allen also made a sensational catch up against the wall in center field on a long drive by Herrera in the top of the ninth. Joe Sever got Akron on the board with an RBI single in the fourth inning. He was 2-4 on the night.

Notebook

The RubberDucks (58-59) have won the first two games of the series…Harrisburg won at Altoona, 5-2, to stay 4.5 games ahead of Akron for the EL West wild card…Lefty Carlos Hernandez went six innings and allowed one run for the Yard Goats (63-51)…The game was delayed for an hour and 33 minutes at the outset due to rain…Time of game: 2:27… Attendance: 3,090.

On Deck

The RubberDucks will play the final game of the series against Hartford on Thursday night at 7:05. RHP Michael Peoples is the expected starter for Akron, and RHP Yency Almonte is the announced starter for the Yard Goats. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1350 AM, the WARF iHeart channel, and the TuneIn Radio App.