EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Defeat Weather, Then Thunder, 7-2

Published on April 28, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Diamond stayed out of the path of forecasted storms as the Richmond Flying Squirrels (10-10) downed the Trenton Thunder (8-12), 7-2, in front of 4,469 at The Diamond on Thursday morning. Charlie Culberson keyed the win with a three-run home run and four total RBIs as the Squirrels claimed the series three games to one.

The Squirrels used suspect defense from the Thunder to jump in front against left-hander Steve Garrison. Justin Christian opened the game offensively for Richmond with a hot-shot grounder to third that Yadil Mujica couldn't play cleanly. Christian reached on what was ruled as an infield-single. Mujica's defensive troubles were only beginning, as a batter later he misplayed a ground ball from Culberson. After fumbling the ball, the error was compounded when Mujica attempted a throw behind Christian at second base. Corban Joseph dropped that throw, allowing Christian to third and Culberson to second. Joe Koshansky followed and lined the first pitch from Garrison for a single down the right-field line. Christian and Culberson both came in for a 2-0 Richmond lead. One of the runs charged to Garrison was unearned.

The Thunder got on the board against Squirrels' right-hander Justin Fitzgerald with a lone run in the third inning. Faulty defense from the Squirrels opened the door, as Nick Noonan committed an error on a ground ball from Austin Krum. Krum swiped second and scored a batter later when Dan Brewer singled.

The Richmond response came immediately in the bottom of the third. Garrison walked Christian to start the inning, and Noonan followed with a single. Culberson then decked his first home run of the season, a three-run shot to left field that stretched the Squirrels' lead to 5-1.

Garrison (0-3) departed to the loss after the third. He conceded five runs - four earned - on five hits, walked one and struck out one. He lost for the third time on the season. Fitzgerald didn't last long enough to collect the win, although he allowed no further damage. He worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing just a lone run on three hits. Walks were the issue, as he issued five against two strikeouts.

The Squirrels added a run against reliever Cory Arbiso in the fifth. Culberson was involved once more, doubling to start the frame. With two outs, Roger Kieschnick drove him home with a single to right-center field.

Jack Rye clubbed a solo-home run for Trenton in the top of the sixth, but once again the Richmond response was immediate in the bottom of the inning. Culberson added a fourth RBI to his day when he sent a sacrifice fly to left field to score Mike McBryde who had been hit by a pitch.

Left-hander Justin Dowdy earned the win in relief, working 2 2/3 innings and allowing just the Rye home run. Right-hander Ronnie Ray finished off the win for the Squirrels, posting two scoreless innings in the eighth and the ninth.

The Squirrels will travel to Bowie, MD, to open a three-game series with the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) at 7:05 PM on Friday night at Prince George's Stadium. LHP Clayton Tanner (0-2, 5.40) will make the start for Richmond. The Baysox have yet to determine a starter for the series opener.

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Eastern League Stories from April 28, 2011


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