Lindor Homer lifts RubberDucks over Baysox, 2-1

(Akron, OH) April 11, 2014 - Francisco Lindor led off the bottom of the 13th with a towering home run to center field Friday night, handing the RubberDucks a hard-fought, 2-1 victory over the Bowie Baysox at Canal Park.

Lindor launched a 1-1 pitch from Bowie lefty Chris Petrini (0-1) to deep center, clanging off the batter's eye, high above center fielder Dariel Alvarez. It was Lindor's second homer of the season, and snapped an 0-12 slide at the plate for the Indians star prospect. The timely blast ended the marathon game at 3-hours and 49-minutes.

The RubberDucks (4-4) tied the game, 1-1, in the fourth when right fielder Jordan Smith drove in Giovanny Urshela with an RBI single. It was one of three hits on the night for Smith. After that the bullpens and defense took over.

The Akron relief corps of Jordan Cooper (1.1 IP), Kyle Crockett (1.1 IP), Shawn Armstrong (1.1 IP), Francisco Valera (2 IP), and Tyler Sturdevant (1 IP), combined to limit Bowie to four hits and no runs over the final seven innings. Sturdevant (1-1) earned the win.

Akron's defense came to the rescue often, turning four double plays in the game, including a pair during extra innings when the Baysox (6-3) threatened. One came with one out and the bases loaded in the 11th. Valera induced Bowie's Sharlon Schoop to ground into a nifty, 6-4-3 double play, which was started by-you guessed it-Lindor. In addition, Tyler Naquin made back-to-back sensational catches in center in the 10th inning to strand a Bowie runner on base.

RubberDucks starter Joe Colon was masterful in six solid innings, scattering four hits and allowing one run. He walked one and fanned four in the no-decision.

Urshela was the only other Akron hitter with a multi-hit effort. He was 2-5. His double leading off the fourth set up Akron's first run. Michael Bourn and Jason Giambi made rehab appearances for the Ducks. Bourn was 1-4, with a stolen base, and Giambi was 0-2 with a walk. Both are expected to suit up again on Sunday.

The RubberDucks (4-4) and Baysox (6-3) will play the third game of the four-game series on Saturday afternoon at 2:05. RHP Zack Davies (1-0, 3.60) will start for Bowie, and RHP Will Roberts (0-1, 3.18) will start for Akron.

The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2014 season the 18th since moving to Canal Park and its first since becoming the RubberDucks. For more information and merchandise featuring the Akron RubberDucks, go to www.AkronRubberDucks.com or call 330-253-5151. The Akron RubberDucks are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks and Twitter at @AkronRubberDuck.