Outstanding Pitching Soars Squirrels to Shutout Win Over Fightins

June 28, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release

READING, Pa. - An explosive first two innings backed by a dazzling pitching performance drove the Richmond Flying Squirrels to a 6-0, shutout win against the Reading Fightin Phils Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Flying Squirrels (34-36, 1-0) notched their fourth shutout victory of the year and extended their win streak to a season-high five consecutive games.

Richmond starter Ryan Murphy retired all 12 batters he faced over four perfect innings. He racked up five strikeouts against Reading (28-41, 0-1), tying a season high.

The Flying Squirrels rocketed to a 3-0 advantage off three hits in the top of the first inning. With two outs and two runners on, Andy Thomas punched a two-run triple to right field. Brandon Martorano plated Thomas with an RBI single against Reading starter Victor Vargas (Loss, 1-3).

Thomas' triple was the first of his professional career. He has racked up seven RBIs over his last three games.

After a leadoff double by Hayden Cantrelle and a walk to Wade Meckler in the second inning, Vaun Brown clobbered a three-run homer to send the Flying Squirrels ahead, 6-0. It was Brown's fourth home run of the season and his second in his last four games.

Reliever Parker Dunshee (Win, 1-0) held the Fightin Phils scoreless over three innings and punched out a season-high six batters.

Blake Rivera secured the shutout win with two scoreless frames and a pair of strikeouts.

The Flying Squirrels will face the Fightin Phils Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Right-hander Carson Seymour (0-1, 3.35) will make the start for Richmond opposed by Reading right-hander Mick Abel (2-3, 4.53).

The Flying Squirrels Independence Day celebration is sold out, marking the 13th consecutive sellout on July 4 games since the franchise's first year in 2010. Tickets remain for the rest of the homestand, including Wednesday where fans can enjoy an evening of tricks, jumps and entertainment with the Dynamo Dogs. Fans can also enjoy Wine and K-9s with five-dollar glasses of wine and six-dollar wine slushies from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Plus, dogs are admitted free to every Wednesday home game.

Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.5ASJ0PR17MB5734namp_--

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