EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels Game Notes at Trenton

Published on August 23, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Richmond Flying Squirrels (SF) (61-63)

vs.

Trenton Thunder (NYY) (65-60)

Sunday, August 23rd -- 5:00 PM

Arm & Hammer Park -- Trenton, NJ

Game #125 - Road Game #61

Radio: Fox Sports 910 (4:35 PM) Internet: FoxSportsRichmond.com

Richmond RHP Joan Gregorio (1-2, 3.36) vs. Trenton RHP Jaron Long (3-4, 3.43)

Monday, August 24th HAR 7:05 PM Richmond RHP Joe Biagini (9-6, 2.59) vs. RHP John Simms (2-2, 3.73)

Tuesday, August 25th HAR 7:05 PM Richmond LHP Kelvin Marte (9-5, 2.48) vs. RHP Lucas Giolito (2-1, 3.77)

SERIES AT A GLANCE: It was another difficult night at the office as Richmond fell 8-2 to Trenton in game two of this series. Tyler Beede started for the Squirrels and absorbed eight earned runs and that is the most allowed by a starter in a single outing this season. The Flying Squirrels were blanked by the Thunder, 6-0, in game one of this three-game set on Friday night. On offense, Richmond struckout 15 times, which is a season high for a nine-inning game this year. The team only mustered four hits and that is the fewest in a game since August 11 (four hits @ Bowie). In total, the team has been outhit 22-10 through the first two contests. Chase Johnson made his Double-A debut for the Squirrels and despite recording nine strikeouts, he surrendered five runs in four innings of work. This loss marks the 15th shutout defeat this season and third at the hands of the Thunder. This series marks the final meeting between these clubs during the regular season. Richmond is 2-8 against Trenton so far this year. These two teams first dueled in a four-game set at The Diamond (6/23-6/26), which consisted of two shutout losses and the Squirrels ultimately dropping three of the four contests. In the last three games of the series, Trenton outhit Richmond 30-13. The Squirrels were also kept off the scoreboard for the final 18 innings of this series. The Squirrels did not have much success in the second battle (right before the All-Star break) as they also lost three of four in their first trip to Trenton, NJ. The team scored two runs in the ninth inning of game one in this series, which ended a 26-inning scoreless drought against the Thunder dating back to the previous series between the two squads.

NOT MUCH OFF THE TABLE: The lead off hitter for the Squirrels has had a tough time setting the tone recently for the offense. Over the last six games, the first batter in the order has been either Myles Schroder, Engel Beltre, and for the only time during this span yesterday Rando Moreno. During these six contests, the unit has gone 2-20 when placed in the lead off spot. They have scored just three of the 14 Richmond runs throughout this stretch of time with six strikeouts and five walk. The last time a lead off hitter for Richmond recorded a multi-hit game was on August 11th when Schroder went 2-4 against Bowie.

ROSTER SHUFFLE: The Richmond roster experienced a busy day on Thursday with a multitude of transactions (see back page). RHP Stephen Johnson was shipped to the Cincinnati Reds in a deal that brought 37-year-old MLB outfielder Marlon Byrd to San Francisco. Johnson left Richmond as a strikeout machine. He had the third highest strikout/9 innings ratio in the league among relievers (58 IP, 68 K, ratio of 10.55). In his last 9.1 innings out of the bullpen with the Squirrels, Johnson only allowed one earned run.

SERIES SLUMP AND ROAD SLUMP: The Squirrels have only won one series in their last eight attempts. The only series victory came against New Hampshire (8/4-8/6). This stretch includes a series sweep at the hands of Altoona from July 27 to July 29. It was the first time the team got swept since early May (5/1-5/3) against New Britain. The unchartered territory has caused for some dropoff as well with the team recently. They have won just five of their previous 18 road games. In the road wins, they have won in convincing fashion for the most part by outscoring their opponent 27-12 in those five contests.

UPCOMING HOMESTAND PROMOTIONS: (8/24) Williamsburg Community Night. (8/25) Fredericksburg Community Night. (8/26) Fleece Blanket Giveaway. (9/4) Free Shirt Fridays, Happy Hour & Ladies Night. (9/5) Superblast Saturday and 20th Anniversary of Billy Madison. (9/6) Kids Club Metal Lunchbox Giveaway. (9/7) Bark In the Park #3 - Labor Day.

RICHMOND STARTING PITCHER: RHP Joan Gregorio (1-2, 3.36)

Gregorio, 23, has appeared in 34 games for the Squirrels this year and today will be his seventh spot-start (fifth straight) of the season. He struckout a season high seven hitters in his last start on August 14, but did tie his season high in runs with four. The 6-7 right-hander unleashed a season high 89 pitches in that most recent outing. An even more positive start came in his second start on July 21 with four shutout innings with 52 pitches. He set down the first 10 batters he faced in this game and ultimately absorbed only one hit. Joan has plenty of experience as a starter despite being a reliever with the Squirrels from the start of the season until he made his first start on July 11. His longest bullpen outing in 2015 so far is 3.1 innings back on June 25. He has started 78 games dating back to his first professional season in 2010. Gregorio held a 4.37 ERA and started 17 games in 2014 while in Single-A (Augusta & San Jose). He was named the Giants #18 prospect following the 2014 season. He was signed as an international free agent by the Giants on March 2, 2010.

TRENTON STARTING PITCHER: RHP Jaron Long (3-4, 3.43)

Long prepares for his 23rd start this season and his seventh with the Thunder this year. His most recent start was his best so far while being with Trenton. The right-hander went a season high eight innings, allowed six hits, and two runs (both not earned) on August 18. The 23-year-old spent the first part of the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and had some tough starts there. On June 25, Long lasted only 4.1innings and let up 14 hits along with 11 earned runs. He played down in Single-A during 2014 season before receiving a late promotion to Trenton. He made 10 starts to conclude last year with the Thunder and posted an impressive 2.35 ERA. Long signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on August 1, 2013. He played his college ball at Ohio State. His dad, Kevin Long, used to be the hitting coach for the New York Yankees and has that same title now for the Mets.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from August 23, 2015


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