Fans of the Akron Blimps who packed the stands for the home opener were rewarded with a Akron win over the visiting Richland Rails, 2-1. Odmar van Hees started for the home team against Cameron Thoresen. Cameron Thoresen earned the coveted player of the game honors. Akron reliever Mamadou Boutin was credited with the win, to go to 1-0. Muoi Hoan took the loss for Richland.
Júlio Hernández was the walk-off hero for Akron. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Blimps second baseman hit a dramatic run-scoring single to send the teams home.
"Nice to put this one in the win column," said Hernández.