EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

MacDonald Helps Squirrels Snap Skid in Akron, 6-2

Published on June 22, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


AKRON, OH - The Richmond Flying Squirrels used a strong performance from right-hander Mike MacDonald to snap a five-game losing-streak with a, 6-2, series-opening victory over the Akron Aeros in front of 5,652 on Tuesday night.

Akron left-hander Kelvin De La Cruz retired Darren Ford to start the ballgame, but things went downhill quickly after that. He walked both Brandon Crawford and Thomas Neal before delivering a wild-pitch that moved them both into scoring position. Roger Kieschnick followed and roped a double off the wall in center field to score both runners for a 2-0 Richmond lead. Michael Ambort singled on the infield and Kieschnick stayed at second base. Conor Gillaspie then sent a single to right field that brought in Kieschnick and moved Ambort to third base. Jackson Williams gave Richmond a 4-0 advantage with a sacrifice fly to right field.

De La Cruz (1-4) rebounded, and held at the Squirrels at bay through the next four innings. He retired for the night after five-plus innings. He allowed the four runs on six total hits, walked three and struck out three as he endured his fourth loss of the season.

Richmond got back on the board in the eighth inning to expand their lead to 6-0. Both runs were charged to reliever Chen Chang Lee, who entered to start the frame. Crawford singled and stood at second base with two outs when Kieschnick singled him in for a 5-0 lead. Lee walked the next two batters to load the bases before departing. Shane Lindsay entered and walked Williams to force in the Squirrels final run.

Meanwhile, MacDonald (2-6) was cruising, shutting the Aeros out over the first seven innings on two hits. He proved mortal in the eighth, allowing a lead-off home run to Carlos Rivero, but followed with strikeout of Jerad Head to end his evening. He lasted 7 1/3 innings - his longest outing of the season - to earn his second win of the season. He allowed just a lone run on three hits, walked one and struck out five.

Wilmin Rodriguez was charged with the final run for the Aeros in the eighth inning. The run was unearned as the Aeros benefitted from the lone error committed on the evening. Tony Pena Jr. entered to diffuse the situation in the eighth and earned his fifth save when he worked a perfect ninth inning.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for Wednesday night at 7:05 PM at Canal Park. RHP Felix Romero (0-1, 4.60) will make the start for Richmond against a yet to be determined starter for Akron.

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Eastern League Stories from June 22, 2010


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