EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Kieschnick & Christian Lead the Way for Squirrels, 11-9

Published on June 16, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - Roger Kieschnick and Justin Christian each supplied a three-run home run and combined to drive in eight runs as the Richmond Flying Squirrels (33-32) chased the Binghamton Mets (21-43) from The Diamond with an, 11-9, triumph in the series finale on Thursday night. With the victory, the Squirrels claimed their fourth consecutive series and climbed over .500 for the first time since April 15th.

Binghamton shortstop Jordany Valdespin helped the Squirrels get out front quickly as he misplayed an inning-opening ground ball from Christian in the first inning. Christian advanced to second on a ground out, and then scored all the way from second base when Kieschnick flied out to deep-center field. Kieschnick was credited with an RBI on a rare two-base sacrifice fly.

The Squirrels got right back after B-Mets' starter Brad Holt in the second inning as they added four runs to take a 5-0 lead. Wes Hodges led off the inning with a double up the left-field line. It was the first hit as a Squirrel for Hodges. Juan Perez followed and rifled a liner into center field. Raul Reyes charged and attempted to make a diving catch. He failed to make the play, and Perez wound up with an RBI triple as Hodges scored from second base. Holt then hit Sharlon Schoop and walked Eliezer Zambrano to load the bases. Squirrels' starting pitcher Justin Fitzgerald lined into a double-play, but Christian ripped a three-run home run to cap the inning. Christian's blast was his fourth of the season.

Fitzgerald held the B-Mets off in the first three innings, but they finally broke through against him in the fourth. Salomon Manriquez opened the inning with a double. Fitzgerald responded with back-to-back strikeouts, but Holt aided his own cause with an RBI single that kicked off the bag at first base. Valdespin followed with a two-run home run to right field that pulled Binghamton back within two runs, trailing 5-3.

Richmond reacted quickly and chased Holt from the ballgame with a two-out onslaught in the bottom of the inning. Fitzgerald returned the favor and recorded his first professional base hit, a single. Christian followed with a single and Charlie Culberson made it 6-3 with an RBI single. Holt departed in favor of left-hander of Roy Merritt, who came on to face Kieschnick. Kieschnick greeted him with a three-run home run to right field, pushing the Squirrels advantage to six runs, 9-3.

Holt (2-6) was roughed up for eight runs - seven earned - over 3 1/3 innings of work. He was saddled with his sixth loss of the season, surrendering six hits, walking two and striking out just one.

The B-Mets got one more run off of Fitzgerald (5-4) before he departed to the win after five innings. He earned his fifth win of the year while allowing four earned runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out five.

Kieschnick and the Squirrels piled on with two more runs in the sixth inning against reliever Eric Niesen. With Aaron Lowenstein and Christian aboard, Kieschnick sent an RBI single back through the middle. An attempted throw to third base was errant, allowing Christian to score. Kieschnick established a new Squirrels' season-high with five RBIs, while Christian drove in three and scored four times in the ballgame.

The B-Mets refused to go quietly, and scored the final five runs in the ballgame. They notched an unearned run against Wilmin Rodriguez in the seventh inning, and then made things interesting in the ninth inning when they plated four runs against Edwin Quirarte. In the ninth inning, Eric Campbell cracked a two-run double and Valdespin added his second two-run home run of the night. Valdespin knocked in four on the night, and Binghamton closed to within two runs, 11-9.

Dave Machemer summoned newly-minted closer Heath Hembree, and after walking Reese Havens, he struck out Josh Satin looking to end the ballgame. Hembree earned his first save in his Double-A debut.

The Squirrels welcome the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) for the opener of a three-game series at 7:05 PM on Friday night at The Diamond. RHP Daryl Maday (2-4, 3.43) will make the start for the Squirrels against RHP Chorye Spoone (1-3, 4.50) for the Baysox. For tickets or more information, please visit SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from June 16, 2011


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