EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Sea Dogs and Storms Too Much for Squirrels, 4-1

Published on June 9, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Portland, ME - The Portland Sea Dogs (26-34) claimed a rain-shortened, 4-1, victory over the Richmond Flying Squirrels (28-33) on Friday night at Hadlock Field. With the Squirrels batting in the top of the eighth inning, heavy lightning and rain forced a weather-delay. The game never resumed, and the Sea Dogs were declared winners of the ballgame after a 45-minute delay.

The Squirrels had opportunities in their first two at-bats, but didn't capitalize. Portland took the first lead of the night in the second against Richmond lefty Mike Kickham. Oscar Tejeda drilled a low-flying solo-home run to left-center field for a 1-0 lead. The line-drive home run was the fourth of the season for Tejeda and the third surrendered by Kickham.

Richmond collected six hits against Portland right-hander Anthony Ranaudo through the first four innings, but did not score. The Squirrels finally broke through courtesy of a lead-off walk issued to Daniel Mayora in the fifth inning. Mayora stole second base and advanced to third base when Tommy Joseph singled. Juan Ciriaco then tied the ballgame with a sacrifice-fly to center field.

Ranaudo didn't factor in the decision, departing after five innings. He scattered seven hits and allowed just a lone run. He walked three and struck out four. Kickham also didn't register a decision, turning in his second consecutive quality-start. He worked six innings, allowing a lone run on four hits. He walked just one and struck out six.

The Sea Dogs mounted the game-winning rally in the bottom of the seventh inning against Richmond right-hander Jake Dunning. Dunning got the first two outs in the inning, but then conceded back-to-back singles with two outs to Nick Natoli and Heiker Meneses. Jeremy Hazelbaker followed and decked a three-run home run to right-center field. Hazelbaker's sixth home run of the ballgame was the difference in the ballgame, dooming Dunning (1-1) to his first loss of the season.

The Squirrels had brought the tying run to the plate in the eighth inning, but that inning was washed away along with the rest of the ballgame. The opener of the series marked the first time this season that the Squirrels had a game shortened due to weather.

Game two of the series is scheduled for 6 PM at Hadlock Field on Saturday night. RHP Justin Fitzgerald (3-4, 4.87) will make the start for Richmond against LHP Chris Hernandez (2-5, 3.21) for Portland. Pregame coverage will begin at 5:30 PM on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com .

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Eastern League Stories from June 9, 2012


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