AKRON, Ohio -- Right-hander Matt Esparza remained undefeated on the season, throwing six scoreless innings, and Tyler Krieger had five RBI to lead the RubberDucks past Erie, 7-6, Thursday at Canal Park.
The victory was the third straight for Akron (39-35), which is now tied for first with Altoona in the Class AA Eastern League Western Division.
Akron took a 4-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI double from Eric Haase and a three-run homer from Krieger.
Meanwhile, Esparza (5-0, 1.82 ERA) cruised through six innings, giving up just three hits and striking out eight.