EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Kieschnick's Drive Rescues Squirrels in Ninth, 3-1

Published on August 10, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


HARRISBURG, PA - Roger Kieschnick's ninth-inning blast saved the Richmond Flying Squirrels a lost lead, as they persevered to trump the Harrisburg Senators, 3-1, in the middle game of a three-game series at Metro Bank Park on Wednesday night. The victory for the Squirrels establishes a rubber-game situation on Thursday night.

After Harrisburg had rallied to tie the ballgame, 1-1, in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Squirrels came up in the ninth against right-hander Pat Lehman. Francisco Peguero notched a one-out infield-single before Kieschnick came to the plate. He crushed the first pitch from Lehman easily out of the ballpark to right field. Kieschnick's team-leading 15th home run of the season proved to be the game-winner for the Squirrels, as Lehman (1-1) was doomed to the loss for Harrisburg.

Squirrels' left-hander Eric Surkamp and Harrisburg right-hander Shairon Martis engaged in a spirited pitcher's duel through the first six innings of the ballgame. Each hurler stymied the opposition, while Martis struck out nine Squirrels and Surkamp punched out seven Senators. Neither starter allowed a runner past second base through six innings, as Martis allowed four hits to two permitted by Surkamp. Surkamp recorded one of the Richmond hits off of Martis.

Richmond finally broke through in the seventh inning, when Peguero singled to start the inning. Two batters later with Peguero still at first base, Richmond manager Dave Machemer put the hit-and-run on. Wes Hodges delivered, swatting a single through the vacated right-side of the infield. Peguero approached third base, and Machemer gambled, waving him in. The throw from center fielder Erik Komatsu easily beat Peguero to the plate, but Derek Norris couldn't hang on and Peguero scored with the first run of the night to give Richmond a 1-0 lead.

Martis retired for the evening after seven innings and didn't factor in the decision. He allowed the lone run on six hits, walked none and struck out 10.

On a run of nine consecutive batters retired, Surkamp allowed an infield-single to Josh Johnson with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Adam Fox pinch-hit in the pitcher's spot in the lineup and cracked a game-tying double off the base of the wall in left-center field. It was the only run allowed by Surkamp over 7 2/3 innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. He conceded just four hits, walked one and lengthened his league-lead with nine strikeouts.

Right-hander Heath Hembree (1-1) came on to finish the eighth inning for Surkamp. He returned and polished off the win, working a scoreless ninth inning. With the effort, Hembree earned his first career win, finishing in style by fanning Tim Pahuta to finish the ballgame.

The finale of the three-game series is scheduled for 7 PM at Metro Bank Park on Thursday night. LHP Ryan Verdugo (7-4, 4.07) will make the start for the Squirrels against RHP Tanner Roark (6-8, 5.73) for the Senators. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:30 PM, and can be heard on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com.

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Eastern League Stories from August 10, 2011


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