Ducks’ Defense, Late Hits Earn 4-3, 10-Inning Win in Somerset

June 7, 2022 – Eastern League (EL) – Akron RubberDucks News Release

Summary

Down to their final out in the road trip opener, the RubberDucks rallied with third baseman Victor Nova’s ninth-inning, game-tying RBI double, and Akron center fielder Chris Roller’s game-winning RBI triple in the 10th inning for a 4-3 victory over the Somerset Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark Tuesday night, putting Akron in a first-place tie in the Southwest Division.

Turning Point

With Akron trailing, 3-2, in the ninth inning, second baseman Daniel Schneemann grounded a single to right field off Somerset right-hander Derek Craft. Nova then drilled a double to center field to tie the game. The next inning, with shortstop Brayan Rocchio at third base and two outs, Roller lined a triple to left field. In the bottom of the 10th, second baseman Jesus Bastidas lined out to Rocchio, who threw to Schneemann to complete a game-ending double play.

Mound Presence

Right-hander Hunter Gaddis allowed a first-inning RBI double by Somerset catcher Josh Breaux but kept Somerset off the scoreboard again through the fifth inning. Breaux tied the game with a sixth-inning leadoff home run, and Gaddis departed after allowing a double to Bastidas, lasting 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and four walks with four strikeouts. He was charged with his third run after right-hander Brett Daniels walked the first three batters he faced, giving the Patriots a 3-2 lead. Daniels went 1 1/3 innings, and right-hander Robert Broom pitched a scoreless eighth inning around two walks. Right-hander Jerson Ramírez allowed a hit and a hit batter but had two double plays turned behind him in two innings.

Duck Tales

Trailing, 1-0, in the fourth inning, the RubberDucks tied the game off right-hander Randy Vasquez. Roller singled, left fielder Julian Escobedo walked, designated hitter Jonathan Engelmann reached on an error, and Schneemann grounded into a double play. Akron took the lead in the fifth inning, as right fielder George…