Flying Squirrels Game Notes vs. New Britain
Published on June 23, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
Richmond Flying Squirrels (36-37) vs. New Britain Rock Cats (37-34)
Saturday, June 23rd -- 6:35 PM
The Diamond -- Richmond, VA
Game # 74 - Home Game # 36
Radio: Sports Radio 910 AM (6:05 PM) Internet: sportsradio910.com
RHP Andy Reichard (1-2, 4.55) vs. LHP Andrew Albers (3-2, 3.77)
SERIES AT A GLANCE: The Flying Squirrels will seek to get back on the winning track when they take on the New Britain Rock Cats in game two of a four-game series at The Diamond tonight. Last night, Evan Bigley went 4-for-5 and delivered a two-run double in the top of the ninth to lead New Britain Rock Cats to a 9-8 win over the Richmond in the series opener. The Flying Squirrels committed five errors in the ballgame, which matched a franchise record that was set on May 16, 2010 in a game against the Altoona Curve. Mark Minicozzi went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBIs and he finished a triple short of the cycle for Richmond. Joel Weeks committed a career-high three errors in the ballgame playing at shortstop and Flying Squirrels second baseman Ryan Cavan committed just his second error in 394 total chances. The two teams combined to score eight unearned runs (four per team). Daniel Sattler (1-0) earned the win in relief for New Britain and Tom Vessella (2-2) was charged with the loss.
The Flying Squirrels went 8-7 against New Britain in 2011 including a 4-4 mark at The Diamond. Richmond is 19-16 all-time against the Rock Cats and the club is 11-7 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 (4/5-4/7). Richmond won two out three from the Rock Cats at The Diamond (4/27-4/29).
TODAY'S PITCHERS: RHP Andy Reichard vs. LHP Andrew Albers Reichard: Makes his eleventh appearance and his seventh start for the Flying Squirrels tonight. In his last start, Reichard allowed five hits and three earned runs along with one walk and four strikeouts in six innings pitched against Portland Sunday. He received a no-decision in Richmond's 5-4 victory in 10 innings. Tonight's game will be Reichard's second career appearance and first start against the Rock Cats. He is 0-0 with an 18.00 ERA (2 ER/1 IP) against New Britain. The right-hander spent the entire 2011 campaign with Advanced-A San Jose. He went 9-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 28 appearances, including 15 starts. Reichard split the 2010 campaign with San Jose, where he went 2-1 with a 6.57 ERA in seven relief appearances, and Low-A Augusta, where posted a 6-1 mark with a 3.39 ERA in 16 appearances, including 13 starts. He has a career record of 25-15 with one save and a 3.31 ERA in 99 appearances, including 53 starts. He was selected by the Giants in the 13th round of the 2007 June Draft out of Georgia College & State University.
Albers: Makes his fifteenth appearance and thirteenth start of the season for New Britain tonight. In his last start, Albers allowed nine hits and four earned runs along with no walks and four strikeouts in six innings pitched at Erie Sunday. He took the loss in New Britain's 4-3 setback. Tonight's game will be his fifth career appearance and his third start against the Flying Squirrels. Albers is 1-0 with 1.45 ERA. He boasts a career record of 15-4 with 21 saves and a 2.41 ERA in 94 appearances, including 21 starts. Albers was originally selected by the Padres in 10th round of the 2008 June Draft out of the University of Kentucky. He signed with the Twins as a minor league free agent on March 11, 2011.
ERROR MESSAGE: The Flying Squirrels struggled in the field in last night's series opener against New Britain. Richmond committed five errors in the ballgame, which matched a franchise record that was originally set on May 16, 2010 in a game against the Altoona Curve. Utility man Joel Weeks, who made his sixth start at shortstop this season, committed three of Richmond's five errors, which broke his previous single-game career-high of two errors. Weeks has committed two errors in multiple games in his career. Additionally, second baseman Ryan Cavan, who currently leads the Eastern League in fielding percentage at his position (.995), committed just his second error in 394 total chances this season. Four of the nine runs allowed by Flying Squirrels pitchers were unearned, due to the errors. As a team, the Flying Squirrels have committed 56 errors this season, which is the fourth-fewest number in the circuit. Richmond is tied for fifth in the league in fielding percentage (.978).
MARVELOUS MARK: Mark Minicozzi enjoyed a stellar night at the plate in last night's 9-8 loss against New Britain. The Flying Squirrels designated hitter went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBIs and the former East Carolina University standout finished a triple shy of the cycle. It was Minicozzi's second three-hit game since joining Richmond June 1. He now has three home runs in 18 games with Richmond.
WHAT CAN BROWN DO FOR YOU?: Gary Brown has started to swing the bat well. In last night's 9-8 loss against New Britain, Brown went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and three runs scored. It was his sixth consecutive game with a base hit, with multiple hits in four of those six contests. In his last 10 games, Brown is batting .347 (17-for-49) and he currently ranks third in the Eastern League in stolen bases with 21.
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