EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Blindsided in Seventh, Lose Series, 6-2

Published on August 24, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


ALTOONA, PA - The Altoona Curve (59-71) ambushed the Richmond Flying Squirrels (69-61) for five runs in the seventh inning, and took a, 6-2, victory in the finale of a four-game series at Blair County Ballpark on Wednesday night. With the win, the Curve also claimed the series; taking three-of-four games played over three days.

The Curve forged ahead in unconventional fashion against Richmond right-hander Justin Fitzgerald in the first inning. Starling Marte led off with an infield-single. Brock Holt then sent a comebacker that Fitzgerald took to second base. Marte was safe there, and Holt beat the relay to put two aboard with nobody out. Marte tagged on a fly out to center field, and scored when a pitch in the dirt from Fitzgerald lodged in the chest-protector of catcher Jackson Williams. Marte was awarded the plate for a 1-0 lead, with the play officially ruled a wild-pitch from Fitzgerald.

Richmond drew even against Curve right-hander Phil Irwin in the fourth inning. Francisco Peguero led off with his second infield-single of the night, and Roger Kieschnick singled into center field to put two aboard. Chris Dominguez grounded out, but moved up the runners to second and third base. Wes Hodges tied the game, 1-1, when he lifted a sacrifice-fly to left-center field. Peguero scored just ahead of the throw from Marte.

Fitzgerald righted himself, and dominated through the sixth inning. He retired 18 of the next 20 Curve hitters, following Holt reaching in the first inning.

Irwin also remained stingy, keeping the ballgame even through the sixth inning. However, Skyler Stromsmoe led off the seventh inning and blasted his second home run of the season over the wall in right field to give Richmond a 2-1 advantage.

Things unraveled for Fitzgerald and the Squirrels in the bottom of the seventh inning, as the Curve sent 10 batters to the plate and scored five times for a 6-2 lead. Fitzgerald allowed an RBI triple to Matt Curry and an RBI single to Jeremy Farrell, before departing in favor of right-hander Hector Correa. The onslaught continued as Marte and Holt each notched RBI singles against Correa. Another run scored on an error, but all five runs in the inning were earned.

Fitzgerald (8-9) was doomed to the loss, charged with five earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. He allowed six hits, walked one and struck out five. The rally left Irwin (6-5) in line for the victory, which he claimed over seven innings. He conceded two runs on six hits, walked three and struck out nine.

The Squirrels travel to Akron, OH, to open a four-game series with the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indians) at Canal Park on Thursday night at 7:05 PM. LHP Chuck Lofren (2-1, 3.60) will make the start for the Squirrels against RHP Brett Brach (1-0, 3.27) for the Aeros. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 PM, and can be heard on Sports Radio 910 AM and SportsRadio910.com.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from August 24, 2011


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