Roller's Blast Not Enough in 4-1 Loss to Akron

Akron starter Kyle Davies struck out nine over six and ⅔ innings to lead the RubberDucks to a 4-1 victory over the Thunder on Thursday afternoon at ARM & HAMMER Park.

The former Atlanta Brave and Kansas City Royal allowed only one run, a solo home run by Kyle Roller, on his way to his second win of the season. Shawn Armstrong, Giovanni Soto and Jordan Cooper combined with Davies to strike out 14 batters.

The Thunder earned just four baserunners over the first six innings before Kyle Roller broke up the shutout with a solo home run to right center.

Roller now has five home runs in his first nine games in 2014. He tied the league lead with Altoona's Stetson Allie with his shot to left-center. Roller finished 2-for-4 and has nine extra base hits in nine games this season.

Joel De La Cruz suffered his second loss of the season as he allowed four runs in five innings. Akron scored the first two runs of the game on a two-run double off the bat of Justin Toole in the second inning and Francisco Lindor drove in two more with a triple in the fifth inning; he went 3-for-4.

Jairo Heredia and Pat Venditte combined to throw four shutout innings of relief, allowing just one hit and four strikeouts.

The Thunder embark on a seven game road trip beginning in Portland on Friday night at 6:00 p.m. The Thunder will start LHP Matt Tracy (3-0, 2.20), the Sea Dogs will counter with RHP Mike Augliera (2-1, 3.79). Listen live on 91.3 WTSR and TrentonThunder.com beginning at 5:45 p.m.