EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels Game Notes vs. Akron

Published on August 31, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Richmond Flying Squirrels (70-68) vs. Akron Aeros (79-59)

Friday, August 31st -- 7:05 PM

The Diamond -- Richmond, VA

Game # 139 - Home Game # 68

Radio: Sports Radio 910 AM (6:35 PM) Internet: sportsradio910.com

LHP Chris Gloor (4-5, 2.89) vs. RHP Toru Murata (2-1, 2.87)

SERIES AT A GLANCE: The Flying Squirrels will aim for their third straight win when they take on the Akron Aeros in the opener of a four-game set at The Diamond tonight. Last night, Ehire Adrianza delivered an RBI single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning, which lifted the Flying Squirrels to a 5-4 walk-off win over the Harrisburg Senators in the finale of a four-game series at The Diamond. Adrianza's single capped a two-run frame for Richmond and gave the Flying Squirrels a series victory Unfortunately, the Bowie Baysox defeated the Erie SeaWolves 8-6 to clinch the Western Division wild-card spot and eliminate Richmond from the 2012 Eastern League playoffs. Johnny Monell hit a pair of solo home runs in the contest, which ties him with Juan Perez for the club lead. Ari Ronick (1-2) earned the win in relief and Senators closer Hector Nelo (1-6) was charged with the loss. The Flying Squirrels went 5-6 against Akron in 2011 including a 2-1 mark at The Diamond. Richmond is 12-16 all-time against the Aeros and the club is 5-5 all-time in the River City. The two teams will meet 14 times in 2012, 6 times in Akron and 8 times in Richmond. The two clubs split a four-game series in Akron's first trip to The Diamond in late July (7/19-7/22).

TODAY'S PITCHERS: LHP Chris Gloor vs. RHP Toru Murata Gloor: Makes his thirty-second appearance and his thirteenth start of the season for the Flying Squirrels tonight. In his last start, Gloor matched career-highs in hits allowed (8) and earned runs allowed (6), and he issued one walk and struck out one batter in 3.2 innings pitched at Altoona Sunday. He took the loss in Richmond's 7-0 setback. Tonight's game will be Gloor's fourth career appearance and second start against Akron. He is 0-1 with a 1.38 ERA against the Aeros. Earlier this season, Gloor tossed 19.2 scoreless innings (May 1 through June 15), which was the longest scoreless streak by a Squirrels pitcher in 2012 until Chris Heston recently put together a streak of 20.1 scoreless innings. Last season, Gloor pitched for three different Giants affiliates, Advanced-A San Jose, the Rookie-Ball AZL Giants and Short-Season A Salem-Keizer. He posted a combined record of 3-1 with one save and a 3.34 ERA in 18 appearances. Gloor owns a 18-9 record with three saves and a 2.82 ERA in 110 career minor league appearances, including 19 starts. The Bay Shore, NY native was selected by the Giants in the 17th round of the 2009 June Draft out of Quinnipiac (CT) University.

Murata: Makes his twenty-seventh appearance and his tenth start of the season tonight. Murata opened the season with Akron and he has amassed a 2-1 record with a 2.87 ERA in 23 appearances, including seven starts, with the Aeros. Additionally, he has made two starts with Triple-A Columbus, where he went 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA and one relief appearance with Advanced-A Carolina, where he tossed 1.1 scoreless innings. In his last start, Murata allowed two hits and no runs along with two walks and six strikeouts in five innings pitched against Trenton Sunday. He received a no-decision in Akron's 3-2 setback. Tonight's game will be Murata's third career appearance and his first start against Richmond. He is 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA (1 ER/3.1 IP) against the Flying Squirrels. The right-hander spent the entire 2011 campaign with Advanced-A Kinston. He compiled a 3-2 record with two saves and a 2.36 ERA in 22 appearances, including five starts. Murata boasts a career minor league record of 5-4 with two saves and a 2.81 ERA in 48 appearances, including 14 starts. He was signed by Cleveland as a non-drafted free agent following the 2010 season.

HERE'S JOHNNY: Flying Squirrels catcher Johnny Monell belted two solo home runs in last night's 5-4 win over Harrisburg. It was Monell's second multi-HR game of the season and the fifth of his career. He smacked two home runs against Bowie on May 12.

Monell now has 11 home runs in 2012, which ties him with Juan Perez for the team lead.

THE REAL DON JUAN: Juan Perez batted in the leadoff spot for just the third time all season last night and the Squirrels outfielder produced another solid night at the plate. Perez went 2-for-5 and with a double and an RBI. He has compiled a .317 batting average (13-for-41) with five RBIs in his last ten games.

CLOSE CALLS: With a two-run rally in the bottom of the ninth last night, Richmond improved to 17-9 in games decided in the last at-bat in 2012. Additionally, the Flying Squirrels are now 28-23 in one-run games this season. Their 28 wins rank second in the Eastern League behind Trenton (31) and Richmond has amassed the fourth-best winning percentage (.549) in one-run contests in the circuit this season behind Trenton (.646), Portland (.639) and Akron (.551).

THE MIGHTY FITZ: Although he did not factor in the decision last night, Flying Squirrels starter Justin Fitzgerald turned in another quality start (6 or more innings pitched, 3 or fewer earned runs allowed). He allowed six hits and three earned runs in seven innings pitched. Since July 1, Fitzgerald went 4-2 with a 1.62 ERA in 12 starts. He finished the season with a 7-8 record and a 3.22 ERA, which is currently tied for sixth in the Eastern League.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from August 31, 2012


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