by Game three between the Akron RubberDucks and Somerset Patriots did not lack in the hitting department. Six different RubberDuck hitters had 2 hits, including 5 extra-base hits. They gave their home fans a show, coasting to an 8-2 victory. Winning their third straight and 6 of the last 7, Akron is only 1 game back of division leader Richmond.
Lead-off hitter and center fielder Petey Halpin has been getting on base consistently, outdueling Somerset’s pitching staff. Halpin got on base via a walk but got thrown out attempting to steal second base during Aaron Bracho’s at-bat. Bracho forced a walk, demonstrating solid plate discipline. Shortstop Angel Martinez poked the ball into center field, which brought second baseman Juan Brito to the dish. Brito hit a liner down the right field line, rolling to the wall. Bracho and Martinez would score, and Brito hustled his way to a rare stand-up triple. It was Brito’s first triple of the season. Better late than never.
Akron would score another 2 runs in the bottom of the second, leading by 4 runs early in the ballgame. Designated hitter Michael Berglund collected his fourth double to right field in the fourth. With 2 outs in the inning and Berglund on second, Halpin hit a soft liner to center, allowing Berglund to score. Bracho would hit a single of his own the next at-bat. Martinez capitalized with a runner in scoring position, driving in Halpin to extend the RubberDucks’ lead to 5. The Akron hitters came up clutch in tonight’s win, handling pressure situations well and executing with runners on base.
The front end of the RubberDucks lineup put Somerset away in the bottom of the sixth. Halpin got his second hit with a sharp grounder up the middle. Bracho followed it up with a blast to dead-center field, hitting the batter’s eye. It was all said and done by that point in the game, with Akron leading 8-1.
Akron’s pitching staff has been cool as the other side of the pillow all series. Righty starter Tommy Mace tossed 5.2 innings, giving up 4 hits, 1 earned run, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts. In his fifth start for Akron, the Florida Gators alum is now 3-2. Relievers Jordan Jones, Davis Sharpe, and Franco Aleman shut the door. Combined, they threw 3.1 innings giving up 1 lowly run, and striking out 3 batters.
Six different RubberDuck hitters had 2 hits. Berglund went 2-for-3 with double and walk. Third baseman Gabriel Rodriguez hit 2 singles. Brito went 2-for-5 with a double, triple, and 2 RBIs. Martinez hit 2 singles with an RBI. The stars of the show during tonight’s action were Halpin and Bracho, with Halpin setting the table and Bracho showing off the power. Halfway through the series, Halpin is 4-for-8 with 2 doubles, 1 home run, and 2 RBIs. It will be interesting to see how he performs in games four through six.
Akron looks to make it four in a row against the Patriots. The first pitch for Friday’s game is at 7:05 EDT. Righty Hunter Stanley is due to start for Akron. It will be Stanley’s seventeenth start of the season. He will be on the hunt for his 4th win.
