EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Flying Squirrels vs. Reading

Published on April 26, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Richmond Flying Squirrels (8-11) vs. Reading Phillies (13-5)

Thursday, April 26th -- 11:35 AM

FirstEnergy Stadium -- Reading, PA

Game # 20 - Road Game # 13

Radio: Sports Radio 910 AM (11:05 AM) Internet: sportsradio910.com

LHP Mike Kickham (1-1, 2.84) vs. RHP David Buchanan (1-1, 2.37)

SERIES AT A GLANCE: The Flying Squirrels will look to end a season-long three-game losing streak and avoid getting swept for the first time in 2012 when they take on the Reading Phillies in the finale of a three-game series at FirstEnergy Stadium today.

Last night, the Flying Squirrels were shutout 1-0 by the R-Phils. Reading starter Trevor May tossed six scoreless innings and limited Richmond to just one hit. He also racked up five strikeouts and issued two walks. Meanwhile, Richmond starter Chris Heston was equally sharp, allowing just one unearned run in a season-high seven innings pitched. He also recorded seven strikeouts and and did not issue a walk. Offensively, Juan Perez got the lone Richmond base hit as the Flying Squirrels were the victim of a one-hitter for the first time since May 31, 2011 when the Bowie Baysox accomplished the feat. The Flying Squirrels went 5-5 against Reading in 2011 including a 3-4 mark at FirstEnergy Stadium. Richmond is 14-21 all-time against the R-Phils and the club is 5-13 all-time in Reading. The two teams will meet 16 times in 2012, 7 times in Reading and 9 times in Richmond. The R-Phils claimed the opening series by winning two out of three games between the clubs at The Diamond last week (4/16-4/18).

TODAY'S PITCHERS: LHP Mike Kickham vs. RHP David Buchanan Kickham: Makes his fourth start of the season for the Flying Squirrels today. In his last start, Kickham allowed six hits and four earned runs along with two walks and two strikeouts in three innings pitched at Altoona on April 19. He took the loss in Richmond's 4-3 setback. Today's game will be his first career appearance against Reading. Last season, Kickham went 5-10 and posted a 4.11 ERA in 21 starts with Low-A Augusta. He entered the 2012 season ranked as the #20 prospect in the Giants farm system. As a professional, Kickham owns a 6-11 record with a 4.12 ERA in 27 career minor league appearances, including 24 starts. Kickham enjoyed a successful, albeit brief, career at Missouri State University, where he finished fifth in school history in single-season strikeouts (106) and won the team's Dave Dickensheet Pitcher-of-the-Year award in his lone season with the Bears. The St. Louis, MO native was selected by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2010 June Draft as a draft-eligible sophomore. He signed with San Francisco for a $410,000 bonus.

Buchanan: Makes his fourth start of the season today. In his last start, Buchanan allowed six hits and two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts in six innings pitched at Richmond April 18. He was the tough-luck loser in Reading's 2-1 setback. He currently ranks fourth in the Eastern League in WHIP (0.89). The right-hander split the 2011 campaign between Low-A Lakewood and Advanced-A Clearwater. In 26 starts between the two clubs, he went 14-7 with a 3.49 ERA. Buchanan posted an 11-5 mark with a 3.38 ERA in 20 starts with Lakewood before his promotion to Clearwater. He ranked 3rd in the South Atlantic League in wins (11) and seventh in ERA (3.38). As a result, he was named a Mid-Season All-Star in the Sally League. He went 3-2 with a 3.90 ERA in six starts with Clearwater. In 42 career minor league appearances, all starts, Buchanan owns an 18-9 record with a 3.59 ERA. Buchanan was selected by the Phillies in seventh round of the 2010 June Draft out of Georgia State University and is the earliest draft choice in school history.

SCORING DROUGHT: After getting shutout for the second consecutive game last night, the Flying Squirrels are in the midst of a scoring drought that spans 24 innings. Richmond has not scored since the third inning of Sunday's series finale at Altoona.

Wednesday's 1-0 loss at Reading marked the first time in the history that Richmond has been shutout in back-to-back games. Collectively, the Flying Squirrels are batting .150 (9-60) against Reading in this series with just one extra-base hit in two games.

ON THE BRINK: The Flying Squirrels have managed to win at least one game in all five of the series they have completed this season. However, a loss in today's series finale would result in Richmond getting swept in a series for the first time this season.

The Flying Squirrels have not been swept in a series since they lost all three games in a series against New Hampshire at The Diamond August 2nd through August 4th, 2011.

ROAD WOES: The Flying Squirrels are 1-4 on their current road trip and will attempt to avoid surpassing their season-high losing streak of three games, which they matched after last night's loss. The Flying Squirrels also lost their first three road games of the season at New Britain (4/5-4/6), Richmond is 4-8 on the road in 2012. Last season, Richmond compiled a 32-39 (.451) mark away from The Diamond. In franchise history, the Flying Squirrels are 67-87 (.435) on the road.

WALK AWAY: Last night's game was the first time all season that the Flying Squirrels pitching staff has not issued a walk. Richmond currently leads the Eastern League with 77 walks allowed. Squirrels pitchers allowed a combined 15 walks in the two games prior to last night (4/22 @ ALT, 4/24 @ REA).

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from April 26, 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