EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Game Three Slips Away from Squirrels, 2-1

Published on May 29, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


AKRON, OH - The Akron Aeros (24-27) tied the game in the eighth inning before walking off with a, 2-1, victory over the Richmond Flying Squirrels (24-25) in front of 5,645 on Sunday afternoon at Canal Park.

With the game tied, 1-1, Donnie Webb recorded a two-out single off of Squirrels' closer Jason Stoffel (1-2) in the bottom of the ninth inning. Stoffel then walked pinch-hitter Juan Diaz to move Webb to second base. Chun Chen pinch-hit and sent a ground ball back up the middle. Nick Noonan was able to make a diving stop on the ball, but Webb barreled around third and scored ahead of the throw to the plate from Noonan, allowing the Aeros to walk off with the win. Stoffel was tagged with the loss for Richmond.

Roger Kieschnick put the Squirrels in front in the second inning when he launched his second home run of the season off of Akron right-hander Joe Gardner. The solo-shot to left-center field gave Richmond a 1-0 lead.

Gardner recovered from the home run and engaged Squirrels' starter Eric Surkamp in a spirited pitcher's duel. The two traded zeroes through the seventh inning, with the Squirrels maintaining their 1-0 lead.

Gardner turned in the longest outing of his career, ultimately working eight innings. He didn't factor in the decision, conceding six hits. He walked just one, struck out six and benefitted from three double-plays behind him defensively.

Upon Gardner's departure, the Aeros lifted him off the hook, finally getting to Surkamp with the aid of an error. With one out in the eighth inning, Jordan Henry sent a ground ball to second baseman Charlie Culberson. Culberson misplayed the ball, allowing Henry to reach. Tim Fedroff and Matt McBride then supplied back-to-back singles, with McBride's single bringing in Henry to tie the game, 1-1.

The unearned run was the only smudge on an otherwise tremendous outing for Surkamp. He didn't factor in the decision, but turned in eight innings - his longest outing of the season. Pitching in his home state of Ohio, the lefty didn't disappoint, allowing just the lone unearned run on eight hits. He walked one and struck out three as he lowered his league-best ERA to 1.33.

Right-hander Adam Miller (1-0) earned the win in relief for Akron, retiring all three batters that he faced in the ninth inning. It marked the first Double-A appearance for Miller.

The finale of the four-game series is scheduled for 1:05 PM on Monday afternoon. RHP Justin Fitzgerald (4-3, 3.14) will make the start for the Flying Squirrels against RHP Austin Adams (4-4, 2.81) for the Aeros.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from May 29, 2011


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