Williamsport, P.A.- Ben Aklinski became the first Cutter to hit two home runs in a game since 2014 as the Cutters topped the Black Bears 2-1 to open the series.
Ben Aklinski got the offense started on the third pitch of the game from West Virginia starter Nicholas Economos, sending a missile over the left field wall, giving the Cutters a 1-0 lead on Aklinski’s team-leading 5th blast.
Aklinski got back into the act in the top of the 3rd inning, sending another Economos offering deep into the Williamsport night, expanding the Crosscutters lead to 2-0 on Aklinski’s 6th home run, upping his RBI count to 18.
Manuel Silva was stout for the Crosscutters, tossing 5.2 innings, allowing one run on six hits and a walk while striking out five. His lone mistake was a solo home run off the bat of Daniel Amaral in the top of the 6th inning.
Randy Alcantara entered with two outs in the top of the 6th inning, and would retire the batter he faced. The reliever then worked two more scoreless frames of relief, allowing just one hit and striking out three.
Keylan Killgore worked a perfect 9th inning, striking out one to slam the door on the Black Bears, earning his 6thsave in as many chances.
Aklinski’s two home run night came on the 5 year anniversary of Zach Green‘s two home run night against the Staten Island Yankees, here at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field.
The Crosscutters continue their three-game series against the West Virginia Black Bears. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark.
Cutter Carvings – The last Crosscutter to homer twice in a game was Jiandido Tromp, on July 22nd, 2014…Aklinski is the first Crosscutter this season to lead off the game with a home run… Seven of the Crosscutters 21 home runs have come at home…
