by Down by one run in the bottom of the ninth, the Akron RubberDucks fight their way to walk it off. Akron, trailing the series two games to zero entering Thursday’s game, won four straight, including Sunday’s barnburner.
Righty Aaron Davenport started the final game of this six-game set for the RubberDucks. Davenport came into yesterday’s matchup with an eye-opening 2024 stat line. In 19 official starts, Davenport held a 6-3 record with a 2.80 ERA and 83 strikeouts. He was all business in the top of the first inning, striking out 3, showcasing his fastball velocity and ability to fool the Bowie batters with an arsenal of breaking pitches.
Designated hitter Chase DeLauter highlighted the Akron lineup. DeLauter is the Cleveland Guardians top rated prospect in their farm system and within the top 30 in major league baseball. Bowie starter Trace Bright got the first two Akron hitters out, with DeLauter standing in his way. DeLauter smoked a ball toward the hole in the middle of the infield. Second baseman Anthony Servideo made an astonishing play, diving for the ball and successfully throwing out DeLauter at first.
Davenport cruised through the second and third innings, striking out 6 up to that point, really keeping the Bowie lineup guessing. With runners on first and second in the fourth, he struck out Bowie designated hitter Connor Pavolony looking. Walking off the mound into the dugout, Davenport was fired up.
Center fielder Petey Halpin got the party started in the bottom half of the inning. He ripped a single to right field, then swiped second base during the next at-bat. With two outs and Halpin threatening on second base, Akron first baseman Aaron Bracho hit a soft liner to center field, plating Halpin for the game’s first run.
In the top of the fifth, Davenport struck out the first batter he saw and caused Servideo to ground out. His day was done due to his pitch count. Davenport went 4.2 innings pitched, only giving up 2 hits, and punched out a whopping 9 Bowie batters. Davis Sharpe was called from the bullpen to be Davenport’s successor. Unfortunately for Sharpe, he gave up a home run to the first batter he saw. Sharpe would eventually get the final out, but with the Baysox tying the game, Davenport would not be eligible to receive the win.
Bright was replaced by Bradley Brehmer. Brehmer struggled against the RubberDucks on Thursday, giving up seven hits in two innings. This time around, Brehmer looked sharp, tossing two innings, only allowing two Akron hitters to reach base.
In the top of the eighth, Akron’s Bradley Hanner was called in to keep the game tied at one. The first three batters Hanner faced, center fielder Dylan Beavers, catcher Silas Ardoin, and first baseman TT Bowens all reached base. With bases loaded and no outs, Hanner got a huge strikeout. Magnus Ellerts then came in to relieve Hanner, striking out another. Now with two outs, Akron had the opportunity to get out of the inning clean. But, Ellerts walked left fielder John Rhodes, scoring Beavers from third.
In the bottom of the ninth and down by one, the RubberDucks had no choice but to at least drive in one run to keep the game going. Bracho and catcher Micael Ramirez led off the inning by walking. Left fielder Joe Lampe attempted to sacrifice himself by bunting Bracho and pinch runner Cody Huff over. The Baysox closer Wandisson Charles made a costly fielding error, as everyone was safe. Akron’s next batter, second baseman Milan Tolentino crushed the ball to right field. Bracho easily scored, tying the game, but Huff was thrown out at home trying to win it for Akron. Lampe and Tolentino were able to move into scoring position, with Dayan Frias at the plate. With the infield and outfield in, Frias crushed the ball over the center fielder’s head winning the game for Akron.
With yesterday’s win, Akron moved to 56-40 on the year. By winning this series 4-2 over the Bowie Baysox, Akron is leading the Eastern League Southwest standings over the Erie Seawolves by one game. The Ducks go to Harrisburg for a short 2 game road trip. The first pitch in Harrisburg is slated for 6:30 EST on Tuesdays.
