by In a 0-0 ballgame in the top of the ninth with 2 outs and runners on first and second, New York Yankees top prospect Jasson Dominguez hit a bases-clearing double to give Somerset a 2-0 lead. Dominguez led the way for the Patriots. The center fielder went 3-for-5 with 2 doubles and the game-winning RBIs. Akron reliever Jake Leftwich was able to get two quick outs in the ninth. A single, walk, then Dominguez’s extra-base hit ultimately decided his fate. The Patriots now have 60 wins, which leads all active teams in the Eastern League.
Somerset’s Matt Sauer did not allow a base runner through 3 innings, as Akron went 9 up, and 9 down. Sauer was selected 54th in the second round of the 2017 draft. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, Sauer has gradually progressed. It was start number six for the 20th overall prospect in the Yankees organization. He tossed 4.2 innings, collecting 5 strikeouts, 1 hit, and walking 2.
Lefty Will Dion was on the mound for Akron. Coming off two losses against division rival Erie last week, he was on lock-down duty in the first. He rolled through the first three hitters of the game, striking each of them out. Following 4 more clean innings, Dion got pulled after 5.1 innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts.
The Patriots bullpen was on point. Right-hander Tanner Myatt came in relief for Sauer, delivering 1.1 innings of scoreless ball. Alex Mauricio got credited with the win, finishing his day with 2 innings pitched. Danny Watson collected his 4thsave of the season, striking the first two batters he faced in the bottom of the ninth.
Somerset first baseman Mickey Gasper had himself a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4. Second baseman Max Burt had 1 hit, a stolen base, and a run scored. Dominguez tallied 3 out of the Patriots’ seven hits.
The RubberDucks had another quiet day on the offensive side. Out of the last 18 innings played, Akron has 6 hits and 0 runs scored. In order to win the series, they must get hot again and string together timely hits. The final game of this one-time series against Somerset is set for 1:05 EDT on Sunday. Ross Carver will get the nod, as Akron pushes to complete the series victory.
