EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Sweep Away Reading, 9-0

Published on July 9, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - Craig Westcott pitched six scoreless innings and smacked his second home run of the season and Johnny Monell went 2-for-3 with two RBIs as the Richmond Flying Squirrels (44-46) defeated the Reading Phillies (47-42), 9-0, to complete a three-game sweep at The Diamond Monday afternoon. The victory was Richmond's Eastern League-leading ninth shutout of the 2012 campaign.

The Flying Squirrels seized the early lead with a run in the bottom of the second. Russ Mitchell laced a double to left field to start the frame. Two batters later, Monell hit an RBI single to center field that plated Mitchell and gave Richmond a 1-0 advantage.

Richmond added a pair of runs in the bottom of the third. Westcott belted a solo home run - his second home run of the season - over the right field wall to start the inning. Gary Brown reached on an infield single and he advanced to third base two batters later when Mark Minicozzi singled. Brown scored later in the inning on an RBI single from Juan Perez, which extended Richmond's lead to 3-0.

The Flying Squirrels turned the game into a rout with a six-run frame in the bottom of the fifth. Ehire Adrianza led off the inning with a double and Minicozzi followed with a single. After Reading starter Austin Hyatt hit Mitchell with a pitch to load the bases, Juan Perez reached on an error by third baseman Tim Kennelly, which enabled Adrianza to score. Monell and Nick Liles hit consecutive RBI singles and Hyatt was removed from the ballgame. Following the pitching change, Ryan Cavan hit an RBI single off Reading reliever Mario Hollands. Richmond added two more runs in the frame, which resulted in a commanding 9-0 lead. The Flying Squirrels scored six runs on seven hits - the most in a single inning for Richmond in 2012 - in the inning.

Westcott (8-6), who tossed six scoreless innings to pick up his eighth win, and a trio of Flying Squirrels relievers - Jacob Dunnington, Ari Ronick and Jake Dunning - kept Reading's offense at bay throughout the afternoon. Collectively, they allowed just four hits, including just one extra-base hit, in the ballgame.

Meanwhile, Hyatt (2-3) yielded 10 hits and nine runs, six of which were earned, in four innings pitched and he was charged with the loss.

The Squirrels will take the next two days off for the Eastern League All-Star break before returning to action for a five-game road trip, which includes a doubleheader Friday, against the Harrisburg Senators at Metro Bank Park. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 7:00 PM Thursday as Richmond LHP Mike Kickham (6-7, 2.96) is slated to start. The Senators have yet to announce a starter. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:30 PM on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com .

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Eastern League Stories from July 9, 2012


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