Four-Homer Night Rockets Richmond to Big Win Over Akron
May 17, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
RICHMOND, Va. - The Richmond Flying Squirrels blasted a season-high four home runs in front of a sellout crowd for an 11-4 victory over the Akron RubberDucks Wednesday night at The Diamond.
The Flying Squirrels (18-16) welcomed 9,810 fans, the largest crowd in the Eastern League this season, and continue to lead Double-A in average attendance this year.
The Richmond offense stacked three runs in the first inning against Akron starter Jack Leftwich (Loss, 2-3). Marco Luciano drove in a run with a double and Carter Aldrete bashed a two-run homer to right field to send the Flying Squirrels to a 3-0 lead.
Wade Meckler gave Richmond a four-run lead with an RBI single for his first Double-A hit in the second inning. Carter Williams scored off a wild pitch from third base later in the inning to up the advantage to 5-0.
Akron (17-17) broke the shutout in the top of the third off an RBI single from Jose Tena.
The RubberDucks cut the deficit to 5-3 in the fourth off an RBI double by Korey Holland and a Richmond fielding error.
Williams blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to push the Flying Squirrels in front by three runs. With runners at first and third, Luciano propelled a three-run homer to left field and drove the Flying Squirrels to a 9-3 advantage. Luciano racked up four RBIs, tying a career high, in a 2-for-5 performance.
Aaron Bracho led off the sixth inning with a solo home run against Matt Frisbee (Win, 3-0) to move the score to 9-4. It was the only run Frisbee allowed over 2.1 innings with a pair of punchouts.
Ismael Munguia responded with a solo home run to begin the bottom of the sixth inning and pushed the Flying Squirrels ahead, 10-4.
With the bases loaded and one out in the eighth, Robert Emery padded the advantage to 11-4 off a sacrifice fly to score Meckler from third base. Meckler collected three hits and two runs in his Double-A debut.
Reliever Raymond Burgos pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to finish the game.
The Flying Squirrels will face the RubberDucks Thursday night with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at The Diamond. On Thursday, the Flying Squirrels will rock custom 804 City Jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Flying Squirrels Charities. Fans can enjoy In-Your-Face fireworks after the game presented by Heart of Virginia Chevy Dealers.
Right-hander Ryan Murphy (1-1, 6.08) will make the start for Richmond opposed by left-hander Doug Nikhazy (0-0, 3.44).
Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.
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