Bertrand Deals Another Scoreless Start in Squirrels Loss
Published on August 14, 2025 under Eastern League (EL)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
RICHMOND, Va. - John Michael Bertrand pitched a scoreless start for the fourth time in his last five outings but the Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Altoona Curve, 6-1, on Thursday night at The Diamond.
The Flying Squirrels (42-66-1, 21-20) fell back into a tie for second place in the Southwest Division second-half standings and now trail the Curve (54-56, 24-18) but 2.5 games.
Bertrand threw five scoreless innings, striking out seven batters. In his last six starts since July 4, he has gone 3-1 with a 0.56 ERA (2 ER/32.1 IP). Dating back to May 4, he is 5-4 with a 2.03 ERA (20/88.2), the second-lowest ERA in the Eastern League behind only Binghamton's Jonah Tong in that stretch.
In the bottom of the third inning, Dayson Croes hit his first Double-A homer, a solo shot off Altoona starter Wilber Dotel, for a 1-0 Richmond lead. He finished the game with three hits.
In the top of the sixth inning, Esmerlyn Valdez reached on an error, moved to second on a balk by Cameron Pferrer and scored on a Javier Rivas single to tie the score, 1-1.
The Curve followed with back-to-back walks to load the bases before Jack Choate entered from the bullpen and walked P.J. Hilson to give Altoona 2-1 lead. Choate struck out Jebb to strand the bases loaded.
In the eighth, Kervin Pichardo hit an RBI single and a run scored on a passed ball to give the Curve a 4-1 lead.
After three walks to load the bases in the top of the ninth, Mitch Jebb hit a two-run single to open a 6-1 Altoona lead.
The series continues on Friday night at The Diamond. Lefty Joe Whitman (3-8, 5.20) will start for Richmond opposed by Altoona right-hander Alessandro Ercolani (1-7, 3.54). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at The Diamond.
Friday night features the Ardillas Voladoras Wrestling Mask giveaway for the first 2,000 fans of all ages presented by Dominion Energy. It is also Friday Happy Hour with $3 12-ounce domestic beers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and $3 fountain sodas at the Pepsi stand. Tickets are on sale online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.
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