EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Fitzgerald Fires Squirrels Past Sens, 4-2

Published on June 22, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


HARRISBURG, PA - Right-hander Justin Fitzgerald tossed eight strong innings and Chris Dominuez logged three extra-base hits as the Richmond Flying Squirrels (36-34) overcame the Harrisburg Senators (39-31), 4-2, on Wednesday afternoon at Metro Bank Park. With the win, the Squirrels have claimed the three-game series and will have the opportunity for the series sweep in Thursday's finale.

Senators' right-hander Tanner Roark was perfect through four innings, striking out four as he retired the first twelve batters that he faced. Dominguez interrupted his perfect string with a lead-off double in the fifth inning, but he wound up stranded up at second base as Roark completed five scoreless innings.

Fitzgerald was also magnificent through four innings, shutting out the Senators on a lone hit while facing the minimum. However, a lead-off walk to Tyler Moore in the fifth led him into trouble. Archie Gilbert followed with a single and the pair was bunted to second and third by Devin Ivany. Alex Valdez then squeezed a two-run double up the first-base line, putting the Senators in front, 2-0.

Roark finally proved mortal in the sixth inning. With one out in the frame, Juan Perez rifled a solo-home run just inside the left-field foul pole to slice the lead in half, 2-1.

Leading off the seventh inning, Dominguez delivered his second double of the day. Wes Hodges followed with an RBI double into the right-center field alley to tie the game, 2-2. After showing bunt on the first two pitches, Justin Christian pulled back and burned left fielder Archie Gilbert with a double. Hodges raced in, and the Squirrels held the lead for the first time, 3-2.

Roark (4-3) was lifted after 6 2/3 innings, having conceded three earned runs on five hits. He was tagged with a hard-luck loss, despite turning in a quality start and striking out five.

Richmond tacked on a run against Roark's replacement, right-hander Jimmy Barthmaier, in the eighth inning. With one out, Roger Kieschnick laced a single to left-center field. That set the stage for Dominguez, who ripped an RBI triple into the alley in right-center field to score Kieschnick from first for a 4-2 lead.

Fitzgerald (6-4) bounced back admirably from his only troublesome inning in the fifth. He matched the longest outing of the season for a Squirrels' starter and earned the win over eight innings. He allowed just two runs on four hits, walked two and struck out six.

Right-hander Heath Hembree came on in the ninth and retired the side in order to preserve the win. Hembree earned his second save of the season.

The finale of the three-game series is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Metro Bank Park on Thursday night. RHP Daryl Maday (2-4, 3.68) will make the start for the Flying Squirrels against RHP Erik Davis (3-2, 3.81) for the Senators. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 PM, and can be heard on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from June 22, 2011


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