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Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels Ninth-Inning Rally Nets Sweep

April 28, 2010 - Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


NEW BRITAIN, CT - Down to the team's final strike in the top of the ninth inning, Flying Squirrels outfielder Thomas Neal roped a double down the left field line with the bases loaded to help rally the club past the New Britain Rock Cats 5-3 in the finale of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon at New Britain Stadium. The win gave Richmond a second straight series sweep over New Britain as well as its first winning road trip, taking four of six games.

Trailing 3-2 in the top of the ninth, Nick Noonan drew a one-out walk off of New Britain reliever Santos Arias (0-4). After Clay Timpner popped out in foul ground to third baseman Juan Portes for the second out in the inning, Darren Ford pulled a base hit through the left side of the infield. Brandon Crawford then drew a walk to load the bases and set the stage for Neal. The 22-year-old followed by slapping a two-strike pitch down the left field line to give Richmond the 5-3 lead.

Richmond worked out of trouble in the bottom of the ninth inning to preserve the win. Daniel Turpen (1-1), who came on to get the final out in the bottom of the eighth, walked Juan Portes and gave up a base hit to Steve Singleton to open the last of the ninth. Tony Pena Jr. came on to relieve Turpen. The second passed ball of the day on Jackson Williams enabled the runners to take second and third. After retiring Danny Lehmann, Pena walked Joe Benson to load the bases. The infielder-turned-pitcher proceeded to get Ben Revere to pop out to third, and he struck out Estarlin De Los Santos to end the game and record his second save.

The Flying Squirrels (11-9) jumped out to the early lead in the top of the second inning against Rock Cats' spot starter Cole DeVries. With runners at second and third and one out, Noonan drove in Conor Gillaspie on a ground ball to the right side of the infield giving Richmond a 1-0 lead. Timpner added to the lead with a base hit into left-center field scoring Andy D'Alessio. Timpner was thrown out at second base on the play, ending the inning for the Flying Squirrels.

The Rock Cats (4-15) answered in the bottom of the third inning as De Los Santos drove in a pair of runs with a double down the right field line to even the score at 2-2. New Britain took a 3-2 lead three innings later as Mark Dolenc scored on the first Williams passed ball.

The Flying Squirrels find themselves two games over the .500 mark for the first time this season after beginning the season 1-6.

Following a scheduled off day on Thursday, the Flying Squirrels will open a seven-game homestand with a three-game series against the Bowie Baysox on Friday night. RHP Mike MacDonald (0-2, 3.38) gets the start for Richmond opposite Bowie RHP Steve Johnson (0-1, 4.74). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Gates will open at a special time as the Flying Squirrels will sign autographs on the main concourse from 5:30 - 5:55 PM. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will receive a Flying Squirrels Inaugural Season Team Photo courtesy of Coke Zero. The series opener will also feature a performance by Reggy the Purple Party Dude. Tickets for Friday night and all other Flying Squirrels home games can be purchased by going online to www.squirrelsbaseball.com, calling (804) 359-FUNN, or by visiting the box office located at The Diamond.

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