EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Charge Past SeaWolves to Take Series, 4-2

Published on July 27, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


ERIE, PA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels (57-47) came alive late, and overtook the Erie SeaWolves (48-56) for a, 4-2, series-clinching victory. Richmond scored the final four runs in the ballgame as they claimed two of the three games in their only series of the season at Jerry Uht Park. Richmond also wrapped up their season-series with Erie at a record of 8-2.

Erie right-hander Brooks Brown and Squirrels' right-hander Justin Fitzgerald engaged in a pitcher's duel over the first four innings of the ballgame. Brown didn't allow Richmond a base runner, retiring the first 12 batters that he faced. Fitzgerald matched him, keeping the SeaWolves at bay through four innings, allowing just a pair of singles.

Wes Hodges did collect the first hit of the ballgame for Richmond in the fifth inning, but Brown put up another zero on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the inning, Hodges committed an error on an inning-opening groundball from Deik Scram. That miscue opened the door for Erie as they finally got to Fitzgerald. A batter later, Justin Henry singled through the left-side of the infield, moving Scram to third. Bryan Holaday followed with an RBI single, giving the SeaWolves the first lead of the afternoon. Jamie Johnson then singled to increase the lead to 2-0. One of the runs was unearned due to the error on Hodges.

Eliezer Zambrano led off the Richmond sixth inning with a double to the left-field corner. The first extra-base hit allowed by Brown gave the Squirrels their best scoring chance of the ballgame. Skyler Stromsmoe bunted Zambrano to third, and he scored to trim the Erie lead on a groundout from Francisco Peguero.

Richmond chased Brown as they hurdled the SeaWolves in the seventh inning. Roger Kieschnick led off with a single back through the middle. He scored to tie the game, 2-2, when Chris Dominguez sent a double just fair up the third-base line. Hodges followed with a double up the first-base line to bring in Dominguez for the lead. Juan Perez bunted Hodges to third, and he scored on a single to right field from Sharlon Schoop for a 4-2 advantage.

Brown (2-6) departed during the rally for the Squirrels, doomed to his seventh loss of the season. Ultimately, he worked 6 1/3 innings, charged with four earned runs on six hits. He walked none and struck out two.

Fitzgerald (8-5) called it a day after seven sterling innings. He earned his eighth win, allowing two runs - one earned - on five hits. He walked none, and matched a career-high by striking out 11.

Right-hander Mitch Lively worked in the setup role, turning in a scoreless eighth inning. Right-handed closer Heath Hembree took over in the ninth and retired the SeaWolves in order to earn his 10th save of the season.

The Squirrels will travel to Trenton, NJ, to open a four-game series with the Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees) at 7:05 on Thursday night at Waterfront Park. LHP Chuck Lofgren (1-0, 1.59) will make the start for the Squirrels against RHP Dellin Betances (4-4, 3.20) for the Thunder. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 PM, and can be heard on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com.

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Eastern League Stories from July 27, 2011


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