Five early runs back on Messick’s five innings as Akron shuts out Richmond 5-0

July 20, 2024 – Eastern League (EL)
Akron RubberDucks Press Release

Parker Messick hits seven runs and the Akron RubberDucks go for two big innings to beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-0 on Saturday night at Canal Park.

Turning point

Akron’s offense got going in the bottom of the first. Walks by Aaron Bracho and Joe Lampe combined with an Alexfri Planez single to load the bases with one out. Milan Tolentino hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Bracho. Dayan Frias followed with a line drive single to left to score both Planez and Lampe and make it 3-0 RubberDucks.

Presence of hill

Messick worked around a double in the first inning and intercepted a runner on second to get out of a third jam before settling in. The left-handed pitcher allowed just one baserunner in his final two innings and retired five in a row to end his night. In all, Messick worked five innings, allowing three hits while striking out seven. Bradley Hanner worked two scoreless innings with a strikeout. Mason Hickman struck out two in two scoreless innings.

The Scrooge McDuck series “Ducktales

The RubberDucks added in the second inning. Petey Halpin led off the inning with a double and Planez worked a one-out walk to put runners on first and second. Lampe then doubled down the line in right field to clear the bases and make it 5-0 Akron.

Notebook

The win marked the 12th shutout of the season by Ducks pitchers, tied with the Palm Beach Cardinals for the second-most in all of MLB and MiLB (the Rome Emperors lead with 13). Messick has struck out four or more batters in all five of his Double-A starts. Playing time: 2:36. Attendance: 6,765

On the pond

The RubberDucks close out their series at Canal Park against the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Sunday, July 21 at 1:05 p.m. Cleveland Guardians left-hander Matthew Boyd makes a rehab start for Akron against Richmond right-hander Trevor McDonald (0-2, 4.00 ERA). The game will be televised on 640 WHLO, the 640 WHLO iHeartRadio channel and akronrubberducks.com, and is available on Bally Live. Tickets for all RubberDucks home games are available at akronrubberducks.com/tickets.

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