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June 9: RubberDucks fight past Sea Dogs, 12-8 in 10 innings

Connor Kokx had a career-high four RBIs in Friday's win in Portland. (Kayla McMillen)
June 9, 2023

June 9, 2023 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score Akron RubberDucks (27-27) 12, Portland Sea Dogs (34-21) 8, 10 innings WP: Davis Sharpe (3-3) LP: Brendan Cellucci (0-1) Save: none Summary Despite losing leads of 2-0 and 8-4, the Akron RubberDucks scored four runs in the 10th inning for a

June 9, 2023 RubberDucks Game Recap | Box Score

Akron RubberDucks (27-27) 12, Portland Sea Dogs (34-21) 8, 10 innings

WP: Davis Sharpe (3-3) LP: Brendan Cellucci (0-1) Save: none

Summary

Despite losing leads of 2-0 and 8-4, the Akron RubberDucks scored four runs in the 10th inning for a 12-8 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs in the fourth game of a six-game series at Hadlock Field Friday night.

Turning Point

In the top of the 10th inning with second baseman Angel Martínez placed at second base, catcher Bryan Lavastida singled to left-center field off left-hander Brendan Cellucci, whose wild pitch allowed Martínez to score. After an intentional walk to left fielder Johnathan Rodríguez, first baseman Aaron Bracho grounded an RBI single to right field. Right-hander Dylan Spacke walked right fielder Korey Holland. Center fielder Connor Kokx grounded into a fielder’s choice, but by attempting an inning-ending double play, second baseman Nick Yorke threw past first base, scoring two more runs.

Mound Presence

Right-hander Tanner Burns began with 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Right-hander Jack Leftwich finished the fourth inning, but in the fifth, he allowed a game-tying single to Yorke and go-ahead, two-run home run to Mayer. He pitched a scoreless sixth inning before allowing Yorke’s two-run home run in the seventh that cut the lead to 8-6. Right-hander Davis Sharpe ended the seventh inning, but in the eighth inning, he allowed the tying runs after a walk, catcher’s interference, RBI single by a center fielder Cedanne Rafaela and a rundown that ended after a run scored. Sharpe then worked a scoreless ninth inning, and right-hander Trey Benton struck out all three batters in the 10th inning.

Duck Tales

Akron took a second-inning lead, as Lavastida and Rodríguez singled, Bracho walked, and Kokx hit a two-run double to left field. In the sixth, Kokx hit a sacrifice fly, and designated hitter Petey Halpin hit a two-out RBI single, tying the game, 4-4. In the seventh, Lavastida walked and scored on an RBI double by Rodríguez. Two errors on fly balls in the Portland outfield led to another run, and bases-loaded walks to shortstop José Tena and Halpin made it 8-4.

Notebook

With his 240th win as Akron manager, Rouglas Odor now needs five more to pass Brad Komminsk (244) for most in club history, which will also give the club its 2,500th win in Northeast Ohio (1989-present)…Kokx had his first career four-RBI game…Rodríguez is 6-for-13 with seven runs and seven RBI in the series…The RubberDucks are 4-5 in extra innings…Akron is 5-5 against Portland, which has the Eastern League’s best record…Akron trails first-place Altoona (29-24) by 2.5 games in the Southwest Division. The first half ends Sunday, June 25…Game Time: 3:23…Attendance: 6,410.

On the Pond

The RubberDucks continue their series in Portland at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Hadlock Field. Akron left-hander Doug Nikhazy (1-2, 3.55 ERA) is scheduled to face Sea Dogs right-hander Grant Gambrell (3-2, 3.57 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.