Erie SeaWolves offense comes alive in 2nd consecutive series sweep

For the first time since 2010, there is a long overdue reason for celebration for the Erie SeaWolves. With the latest promoted acquisitions finding their grove at the Double-A level, a boost in offense has lifted the SeaWolves to their second consecutive series sweep this season.

In typical fashion, Wynton Bernard decided to add one more accomplishment to his list, becoming the first member of the SeaWolves to post a five-hit performance since 2012. In just his second season within the Tigers organization, Bernard is currently hitting .293/.337/.389 for the SeaWolves; now tied for first place for the most hits in the Eastern League this season.

Not one to be left behind, Bernard's Single-A teammate from 2014, Dominic Ficociello has begun to stir up some waves of his own. Hitting .323 in 27 games for the SeaWolves, Ficociello has posted 32 hits, including 11 doubles and 21 RBI.

Toledo Mud Hens 6, Norfolk Tides 2 (box)

A big night at the plate for Josh Wilson and Dixon Machado and three strong opening innings played a key role in Toledo's (53-76) battle against the Tides (73-56). Wilson went deep for the third time this season for a two-run shot in the third inning. Toledo left hander Kyle Ryan (3-9, 4.42 ERA) held Norfolk to a pair of runs, one coming courtesy of a solo home run to Christian Walker in the sixth inning, his 15^th this season. Angel Nesbitt and Jose Valdez combined for three scoreless innings to secure the win.

Erie SeaWolves 8, Akron RubberDucks 1 (box)

A few key roster adjustments have successfully breathed new life into a tiring Erie roster, as the SeaWolves (54-71) went on an 18-hit barrage against the Akron RubberDucks (66-61). Erie righty Austin Kubitza (8-11, 5.55 ERA) worked five innings, holding Akron to one run off six hits and fanning five. Dominic Ficociello posted three hits, with Alberto Gonzalez and JaCoby Jones each adding a pair of RBI in the sixth consecutive victory for the SeaWolves.

Lakeland Flying Tigers 1, Brevard County Manatees 0 (box)

Trent Szkutnik (1-4, 5.98 ERA) and Gage Smith (1-0, 0.00 ERA) combined for nine scoreless innings in a pitcher's duel with Brevard County (53-71). Ismael Salgado and Jared Reaves combined for four of the eight overall hits for Lakeland (48-74), marking Reaves' third multi-hit game in his last five campaigns. Tyler Hanover was responsible for the go-ahead RBI single to score Reaves at the bottom of the eighth, handing Gage Smith his first victory with the Flying Tigers.

Lake County Captains 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 2 (box)

After taking a double header from Lake County (64-59) on Saturday, Fernando Perez (2-10, 4.45 ERA) got the call to the mound for West Michigan (66-58), looking to hook his third win this season. The Captains worked quickly at the plate, tagging Perez for five runs off five hits, all in the third inning. A two-run double from Christin Stewart in the seventh inning scored A.J. Simcox and Michael Gerber, but proved to fall just short of overtaking the Captains.

Vermont Lake Monsters 1, Connecticut Tigers 0 (box)

Due to weather-related postponement on Saturday, the Tigers (28-29) attempted a double-header with Vermont (26-33) to make up for the delay in the action. Spenser Watkins (4-4, 2.50 ERA) worked six solid innings, allowing one run off three hits and fanning five. Will Allen and Tanner Donnels each posted a pair of hits for the Tigers, but Connecticut was not able to capitalize. An RBI double for the Lake Monsters in the fifth closed the door, forcing a shutout for the Tigers.

Due to continued weather issues, game two of the double feature was forced to cease in the fifth inning, with the Lake Monsters leading 4-1 in yet another suspension of play.

★★★

Upcoming Action

Mud Hens: Toledo kicks off a three-game homestand against the Columbus Clippers on Monday. Game one set to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.

SeaWolves: Erie transitions to Binghamton on Monday for game one of their three-game series with the Mets. Tommy Collier (4-2, 3.70 ERA) is slated to get the start.

Flying Tigers: The Flying Tigers will host the Manatees for game two of their three-game series on Monday. Kevin Ziomek (7-10, 3.70 ERA) will have the hill for Lakeland.

Whitecaps: The Whitecaps enter Monday at home with the start of a three-game series against the South Bend Cubs. Ross Seaton (10-6, 3.53 ERA) will go for his 11^th win for West Michigan.

Tigers: The Tigers will begin a three-game series on the road Monday with Tri-City. Game one is slated to kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET.