Birdsong, Bullpen Help Lift Squirrels to Series Split
April 14, 2024 - Eastern League (EL)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
RICHMOND, Va. - Hayden Birdsong struck out eight batters over four strong innings and Grant McCray launched his first Double-A home run as the Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Akron RubberDucks, 5-1, on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.
The Flying Squirrels (4-5) split the six-game series against the RubberDucks (5-4) in their first homestand of the 2024 season.
With the score tied, 1-1, entering the sixth inning, Adrián Sugastey hit a go-ahead single against Akron reliever Bradley Hanner (Loss, 0-1).
Two batters later, McCray hit a three-run homer to extend the Flying Squirrels' lead to 5-1, his first Double-A home run.
The RubberDucks opened the scoring in the top of the second inning with a solo homer by Alexfri Planez. It was the only run allowed by Birdsong over his four innings. He finished the game with eight strikeouts, tying his Double-A career high.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Flying Squirrels tied the game, 1-1, with an RBI single by Luis Toribio.
In his third Double-A outing, Richmond reliver Eric Silva (Win, 1-0) pitched two scoreless innings and struck out two batters.
José Cruz entered in the top of the seventh and recorded two outs but left with the bases loaded. He was replaced by Evan Gates (Save, 1), who worked a groundout from Chase DeLauter to escape the jam. Gates also stranded runners on second and third in the eighth inning.
The Flying Squirrels begin a six-game road series against the Harrisburg Senators on Tuesday night at FNB Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Following next week's road trip, the Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond for a six-game series against the Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Tickets are on sale online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 (FUNN) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.
Eastern League Stories from April 14, 2024
- Sea Dogs Take Series over Fightins with 9-5 Finale Win - Portland Sea Dogs
- Fightin Phils Drop Series as Portland Is Victorious Sunday - Reading Fightin Phils
- Schwartz Finishes Triple Shy of Cycle, Ponies Fall in Series Finale at Erie - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- RubberDucks Fall in Richmond, 5-1, Split Series - Akron RubberDucks
- Late Charge Comes up Short as Patriots Drop Series Finale in New Hampshire - Somerset Patriots
- Allen Powers Erie to Series Win - Erie SeaWolves
- Baysox Drop Dreary Sunday Finale to Yard Goats - Chesapeake Baysox
- Late Runs Spoil Sunday Afternoon for the Curve - Altoona Curve
- Birdsong, Bullpen Help Lift Squirrels to Series Split - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Yard Goats Use 15 Hit Attack to Win Series against the Bowie Baysox - Hartford Yard Goats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
