EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels Game Notes at Akron

Published on May 20, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Richmond Flying Squirrels (20-22) vs. Akron Aeros (25-14)

Sunday, May 20th -- 1:05 PM

Canal Park -- Akron, OH

Game # 43 - Road Game # 22

Radio: Sports Radio 910 AM (12:35 PM) Internet: sportsradio910.com

RHP Craig Westcott (3-3, 4.08) vs. LHP T. J. McFarland (7-1, 1.86)

SERIES AT A GLANCE: The Flying Squirrels will look to salvage a win and avoid a series sweep at the hands of the Akron Aeros when the two clubs meet in the finale of a three-game series at Canal Park today. Last night, former Squirrel Thomas Neal went 3-for-5 with a triple, four RBIs and a run scored and a total of five Akron batters collected three hits apiece as the Aeros routed Richmond 15-5. It was the worst outing of the season for Richmond starter Justin Fitzgerald (3-2), who lasted just 3.1 innings, his shortest stint in 2012, and matched career-highs in hits allowed (9) and earned runs allowed (7). Aeros starter Giovanni Soto (4-2) allowed just three hits and one earned run along with three walks and three strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched. Through the first two games of the series, Richmond has allowed 31 runs, the most in consecutive games in franchise history. Akron has outscored Richmond 31-8 in the first two games of the series. The Flying Squirrels went 5-6 against Akron in 2011 including a 3-5 mark at Canal Park. Richmond is 7-12 all-time against the Aeros and the club is 4-9 all-time at Canal Park. The two teams will meet 14 times in 2012, 6 times in Akron and 8 times in Richmond. Following this three-game series, the Flying Squirrels and Aeros will meet again at Canal Park for a three-game series, July 1-3.

TODAY'S PITCHERS: RHP Craig Westcott vs. LHP T. J. McFarland Westcott: Makes his ninth start of the season for the Flying Squirrels tonight. In his last start, Westcott allowed seven hits and four runs, three of which were earned, along with two walks and two strikeouts in a season-high 7.1 innings pitched against Harrisburg Monday. He took the loss in Richmond's 4-2 setback. Tonight's game will be his first career start against Akron. After splitting the 2010 season between Advanced-A San Jose and Richmond, Westcott spent the entire 2011 campaign back in San Jose. Westcott enjoyed a banner year in the California League as he posted a 13-4 record with a 3.42 ERA in 25 appearances, including 24 starts.

His 13 wins tied for the most in the Cal League and he finished fourth in the circuit in ERA (3.42). As a result, Westcott was named both a Mid-Season and Postseason All-Star. He was also a Mid-Season All-Star in the Cal League in 2010 after going 6-0 with a miniscule 1.83 ERA in 13 starts with San Jose before being promoted to Richmond. Westcott did not enjoy the same level of success with the Flying Squirrels however, as he compiled a 3-3 mark with a 5.13 ERA in the second half of the season. He owns a record of 32-10 with a 3.41 ERA in 73 career minor league appearances, including 65 starts. The Chalmette, LA native was selected by the Giants in the 30th round of the 2009 June Draft out of Belhaven (MS) College.

McFarland: Makes his ninth start of the season for the Aeros today. In his last start, McFarland allowed three hits and struck out six batters in seven scoreless innings pitched at Erie Tuesday. He earned his Eastern League-leading 7th win in Akron's 8-1 triumph.

McFarland has not allowed a run in his last two starts (14 scoreless innings) and he ranks third in the league in ERA (1.86) and fourth in the circuit in WHIP (1.08). He has spent parts of the last three seasons (2010-12) with the Aeros. The southpaw split the 2011 season between Advanced-A Kinston and Akron. He went 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA in two starts with Kinston. After earning a promotion to Akron, McFarland posted a 9-9 record with a 3.87 ERA in 25 starts. He finished the season tied for second in the Eastern league in complete games (2) and t-4th in starts (25). Tonight's start will be his second career start against the Flying Squirrels. He allowed seven hits, two runs and one earned run in six innings pitched against Richmond on August 27, 2011 and he received a no-decision. McFarland spent the bulk of the 2010 season with Kinston, where he went 11-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 24 appearances, including 19 starts. He finished tied for second in the Carolina League in wins (11) fourth in ERA (3.13) and he was named a Mid-Season All-Star. He was promoted to Akron and went 0-0 with an 11.25 ERA in his lone start with the Aeros. The 22-year-old Illinois native has a career record of 39-24 with one save and a 3.57 ERA in 97 appearances, including 88 starts. He was selected by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2007 June Draft out of Amos Alonzo Stagg (IL) High School.

LOPSIDED LOSSES: Richmond's 15-5 setback last night was the club's third loss by 10 runs or more this season. The Flying Squirrels have lost two games by 13-run margins (a 19-6 setback against Reading on April 17 and Friday's 16-3 defeat at Akron).

The Flying Squirrels have been outscored 31-8 in the first two games of their current series with Akron. The 31 runs are the most Richmond has allowed in consecutive games in the three-year history of the franchise.

EXTRA BASES: Lost amidst the one-sided loss last night were the five extra-base hits the Flying Squirrels collected in the ballgame.

Richmond matched a season-high for most doubles in game (4) and most extra-base hits (5). Johnny Monell, Ehire Adrianza, Juan Perez and Gary Brown each doubled for Richmond and Perez hit his third home run for the Squirrels final extra-base hit.

Unfortunately, Richmond went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men and the club was unable to cash in three of the four two-baggers.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from May 20, 2012


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.

OurSports Central