June 8: RubberDucks run past Sea Dogs, 7-5 (2024)

June 8, 2024 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score

Akron RubberDucks (33-23) 7, Portland Sea Dogs (30-26) 5

WP: Bradley Hanner (4-1) LP: Jonathan Brand (1-2) Save: Davis Sharpe (1)

Summary

The Akron RubberDucks scored seven runs in seven different innings, stole seven bases and had seven hits, including a ninth-inning solo home run by left fielder Kahlil Watson, and three relievers combined to allow just one run in 4 2/3 innings of a 7-5 win over the Portland Sea Dogs in the fifth game of a six-game series at Hadlock Field Saturday night.

Turning Point

In a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the fifth inning, Akron left-hander Doug Nikhazy walked two of the first three hitters, and right-hander Bradley Hanner entered with go-ahead runners on base. He retired first baseman Tyler Miller on a groundout, and with two in scoring position, he struck out left fielder Nick Decker to preserve the tie. In the next half inning, shortstop Milan Tolentino hit a leadoff single, stole second base, went to third on a single by third baseman Dayan Frías and scored on catcher Kody Huff’s go-ahead sacrifice fly for a 5-4 Akron lead.

We score for a 5th straight inning!@Kodyhuff2 hits the go-ahead sacrifice fly!

TOP 6 | Akron 5 | Portland 4 pic.twitter.com/YXGayt4OxJ

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) June 9, 2024

Mound Presence

Nikhazy yielded two runs on three hits in the second inning, and two more runs after walking three batters in the fourth. He lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing a season-high four earned runs on six hits and five walks with five strikeouts. Hanner escaped the fifth inning and retired six straight hitters, then worked around a double and walk to strand the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the seventh, finishing 2 2/3 scoreless innings with one hit, one walk and two strikeouts, extending an eight-inning scoreless streak. Right-hander Jordan Jones allowed a run on two walks and a hit while recording the first two outs of the eighth inning, and right-hander Davis Sharpe went the final 1 1/3 innings for his first save.

A 5⃣ strikeout night for @Dougnikhazy https://t.co/TkGRQnSR0n pic.twitter.com/ayQIsJ87rS

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) June 9, 2024

BIG-TIME pitching from @Bradleyhanner3

Bot 5: strands 2 in scoring position in a tie game
Bot 7: strands tying run at 3rd

2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5 straight scoreless outings (8.0 innings)

END 7 | Akron 5 | Portland 4 pic.twitter.com/JFUfzTPx9Z

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) June 9, 2024

Duck Tales

Akron scored in every inning except the first and seventh innings. The first six runs scored without a hit driving one home. In the second, right fielder Joe Lampe singled, stole second and third bases on consecutive pitches and scored on a sacrifice fly by Frías for a 1-0 lead. Designated hitter Connor Kokx was hit by a pitch in the third and scored on an error for a 2-2 tie. Tolentino walked in the fourth, stole second and scored on a wild pitch. In the fifth, center fielder Petey Halpin walked, advanced on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on first baseman Aaron Bracho’s game-tying sacrifice fly. Lampe tripled and scored on Huff’s bunt in the eighth to make it 6-4. Watson’s homer extended it to 7-5 in the ninth.

With his single & stolen bases on back-to-back pitches, @joelampe5 was set to score on @FriasDayan's sacrifice fly

TOP 2 | Akron 1 | Portland 0 pic.twitter.com/EPodH0E7U6

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) June 8, 2024

Aaron Bracho's team-high 25th RBI ties the game!

TOP 5 | Akron 4 | Portland 4 pic.twitter.com/8aVkaLUxVo

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) June 8, 2024

Hit 'em far, hit 'em near:@joelampe5 leadoff @CAKairport triple
+@Kodyhuff2 squeeze sacrifice RBI

TOP 8 | Akron 6 | Portland 4 pic.twitter.com/BDymlB34AN

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) June 9, 2024

Notebook

Akron remained one game ahead of Harrisburg (32-24) in the Southwest Division first-half race, while Portland stayed a half game behind Hartford in the Northeast Division…Akron’s seven stolen bases were tied for second-most in an Eastern League game this season…Lampe has eight hits and four steals in the series…Game Time: 3:08…Attendance: 5,781.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks conclude their series in Portland at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at Hadlock Field. Akron right-hander Tommy Mace (6-2, 2.26 ERA) is scheduled to face Sea Dogs right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez (3-2, 7.11 ERA). The game broadcast is on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel, and akronrubberducks.com, and available on Bally Live. Tickets for RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.