EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels Game Notes vs. New Britain

Published on April 27, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Richmond Flying Squirrels (9-11) vs. New Britain Rock Cats (13-7)

Friday, April 27th -- 6:35 PM

The Diamond -- Richmond, VA

Game # 21 - Home Game # 8

Radio: Sports Radio 910 AM (6:05 PM) Internet: sportsradio910.com

RHP Justin Fitzgerald (1-1, 5.12) vs. LHP Andrew Albers (1-0, 4.05)

SERIES AT A GLANCE: The Flying Squirrels will aim for the second straight win when they take on the New Britain Rock Cats in the opener of a three-game series at The Diamond tonight. Yesterday, the Flying Squirrels got a solo home run from Ryan Cavan in the top of the ninth inning, which propelled Richmond to a 2-1 victory over the Reading Phillies in the finale of a three-game series. Richmond scored a run in the first frame, which snapped a 24-inning scoreless streak, which began in the fourth inning at Altoona on Sunday. Squirrels starter Mike Kickham allowed six hits and one earned run along with two walks and two strikeouts in five innings pitched. He received a no-decision and Richmond relievers Brett Bochy and Daryl Maday combined to toss four scoreless innings with Maday (1-1) earning the win. The Flying Squirrels went 8-7 against New Britain in 2011 including a 4-4 mark at The Diamond. Richmond is 17-14 all-time against the Rock Cats and the club is 9-5 all-time in the River City. The two teams will meet 14 times in 2012, seven times in New Britain and seven times in Richmond. The Rock Cats claimed the opening series by winning three out of four games between the clubs at New Britain Stadium last week (4/5-4/7).

TODAY'S PITCHERS: RHP Justin Fitzgerald vs. LHP Andrew Albers Fitzgerald: Makes his fifth start of the season for the Flying Squirrels tonight. In his last start, Fitzgerald allowed six hits and fi ve earned runs along with three walks and three strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched at Altoona on April 20. He received a no-decision in Richmond's 15-7 comeback victory. Fitzgerald is 2-2 all-time against New Britain with a 4.05 ERA against the Rock Cats in four starts. He took the loss in Richmond's 3-2 setback at New Britain on Opening Day (4/5). Last season, Fitzgerald went 9-9 and posted a 3.51 ERA in a team-high 27 starts with Richmond. He also led the 2011 Flying Squirrels pitching staff in innings pitched (146.1), finished second on the club in wins (9) and walks allowed (55) and third in strikeouts (111). As a result, Fitzgerald was named an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star. He also posted a 1-0 mark with a 2.70 ERA in two playoff starts and earned the win in the clinching game of Richmond's sweep of Harrisburg in the Western Division Championship Series. In 2010, he posted a 10-6 record with a 3.45 ERA in 26 appearances, including 25 starts, with Advanced-A San Jose and earned a spot on the California League Mid-Season All-Star team. Fitzgerald owns a 23-18 record with a 3.61 ERA in 113 career minor league appearances, including 56 starts. The Santa Rosa, Calif. native was selected by the Giants in the 11th round of the 2008 June Draft out of UC-Davis.

Albers: Makes his fifth appearance and fourth start of the season tonight. In his last start, Albers allowed five hits and one earned run with no walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings pitched against New Hampshire Saturday. He earned his first win of the season in New Britain's 4-1 triumph. The southpaw split the 2011 campaign between Advanced-A Fort Myers and New Britain. In 35 appearances, including seven starts, between the two clubs, he went 8-2 with four saves and a 2.16 ERA. Albers posted a 4-1 mark with four saves and a 1.55 ERA in 22 appearances, including two starts, with Fort Myers before his promotion to New Britain.

In 13 appearances, including five starts, with the Rock Cats, Albers went 4-1 with a 2.91 ERA. He began his career in the San Diego farm system and pitched for the Padres' Arizona Rookie League club in 2008 before missing the entire 2009 season after he had Tommy John surgery. After being released by the Padres, Albers pitched for the Quebec Capitales of the independent Can- Am League, where he went 3-0 with 17 saves and a 1.41 ERA in 40 appearances. In 84 career minor league appearances, including 12 starts, Albers owns an 13-2 record with 21 saves and a 2.05 ERA. Albers was originally selected by the Padres in 10th round of the 2008 June Draft out of the University of Kentucky.

AVOIDING THE BROOM: Yesterday's victory allowed the Flying Squirrels to salvage the finale of the three-game series at Reading after dropping the first two contests. It marked the third time this season Richmond has been on the brink of getting swept and the Flying Squirrels are now 3-0 in those games. New Britain won the first three games of the season-opening four-game series between the two clubs before Richmond won the finale 3-1 in 12 innings. Richmond lost the first two games of a three-game set against Reading at The Diamond before winning the finale 2-1 April 18. The Flying Squirrels have not been swept in a series since they lost all three games against New Hampshire at The Diamond August 2nd through August 4th, 2011.

HOME SWEET HOME: The Flying Squirrels will look to continue their winning ways at The Diamond as they begin a seven-game home stand tonight. Richmond is 4-3 at The Diamond this season and has posted winning records in the River City in both 2010 (37-33) and 2011 (45-26). The Flying Squirrels boast an all-time record of 86-62 (.581) at The Diamond. Conversely, Richmond is 5-8 on the road in 2012 and posted losing records away from home in both 2010 (31-40) and 2011 (32-39). The Flying Squirrels own an all-time record of 68-87 (.439) on the road.

ROCK CHALK...: In his first season with Richmond, Brett Bochy has yet to allow a run in seven appearances (10.2 IP). The former Kansas Jayhawk is 1-0 with one save after skipping over High-A San Jose. He has allowed 3 of 6 inherited runners to score.

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Eastern League Stories from April 27, 2012


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