Aeros Overwhelm Squirrels, 8-1
August 31, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
RICHMOND, VA - Ryan Rohlinger went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs and Toru Murata tossed six scoreless innings to lead the Akron Aeros (80-59) to an 8-1 victory over the Richmond Flying Squirrels (70-69) in the opener of a four-game series at The Diamond Friday night. With the win, Akron clinched the Western Division regular season title. Johnny Monell went 3-for-3 with two doubles and he scored Richmond's lone run.
Pitching dominated the early part of the game as Richmond starter Chris Gloor and Akron's Murata each held the opposition scoreless through the first three frames. But Gloor left the game after he was hit by a line drive off the bat of Carlos Rojas on the final play of the top of the third inning.
The Aeros broke the scoreless tie with three runs off Richmond reliever Austin Fleet in the top of the fourth. Chun Chen singled to start the frame and he advanced to second base two batters later on Jesus Aguilar's infield single. Ryan Rohlinger singled to load the bases and moments later, a passed ball allowed by Monell enabled Chen to scamper home. After Fleet struck out Nick Weglarz, Michel Hernandez ripped a two-run double to center field, which made it a 3-0 ballgame.
Akron doubled its lead an inning later with another three-run frame. Tyler Holt singled off Richmond reliever Ari Ronick to start the inning and consecutive groundouts by Rojas and Chen enabled Holt to reach third base. Then, Ronick issued consecutive walks to Adam Abraham and Aguilar. Rohlinger cleared the bases with a three-run double into the right-center field gap that extended Akron's advantage to 6-0.
The Aeros added another run in the top of the seventh inning when Aguilar delivered a two-out RBI single off Edwin Quirarte that plated Abraham.
Richmond avoided a shutout by scoring a run in the bottom of the seventh. Monell hit a one-out double off Aeros reliever Kyle Landis and Ryan Cavan followed with an RBI single that reduced Akron's lead to 7-1.
Akron answered with a run in the top of the eighth. Richmond reliever Jake Dunning walked the first two batters in the inning. Then, he recovered and retired the next two Aeros batters before he gave up an RBI single to Jordan Henry that scored Weglarz and made it an 8-1 contest.
Richmond was unable to produce any runs in the final two frames. When Akron's Preston Guilmet retired Luke Anders to end the game, the Aeros engaged in a raucous on-field celebration.
Murata (3-1) earned the win for Akron. The right-hander allowed four hits and struck out eight batters in six scoreless innings. Fleet (2-3) took the loss for Richmond.
The Squirrels will attempt to bounce back when the two teams meet in the second game of a four-game set Saturday night at The Diamond. Richmond will send RHP Craig Westcott (11-10, 4.25) to the mound. Akron is expected to counter with RHP Danny Salazar (4-0, 2.25). Pregame coverage will begin on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com at 6:05 PM. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM.
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