EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Rock Cats Shutout Squirrels, Split Series

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


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels managed just four hits while New Britain center fielder Joe Benson drove in three runs in a 4-0 Rock Cats' shutout over the Squirrels in front of 7,899 on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond. The Squirrels and Rock Cats split their season-openning, four-game series at two games apiece.

Benson gave New Britain (2-2) the early lead with a leadoff home run on the second pitch from Richmond starter Clayton Tanner (0-1) in the top the second inning.

The former second-round pick struck again against Tanner in the top of the fourth inning. With runners at the corners, Benson doubled into the gap in left-center field, scoring Ray Chang and Chris Parmelee and giving the Rock Cats a 3-0 advantage.

The offense was more than enough for New Britain starter Steve Hirschfeld (1-0). The 25-year-old tossed five scoreless innings, limiting Richmond (2-2) to just one hit - a Roger Kieschnick single in the second - while striking out three batters and walking none. Hirschfeld retired the final 11 batters he faced before departing the game.

A trio of left-handed relievers - Jake Stevens, Spencer Steedley, and Tyler Robertson - worked four scoreless innings to preserve the shutout for the Rock Cats.

Richmond will meet the Bowie Baysox in game one of a three-game series on Monday night at The Diamond. Left-hander Ryan Verdugo (0-0, ---) will make his Double-A debut for the Flying Squirrels against Baysox right-hander Tim Bascom (0-0, ---). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.

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Eastern League Stories from April 10, 2011


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