EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Fall Short in Akron, 7-5

Published on August 26, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


AKRON, OH - The Richmond Flying Squirrels (70-62) couldn't overcome a five-run first inning from the Akron Aeros (67-65), as they fell in the second game of a four-game series, 7-5, at Canal Park on Friday night.

Making an emergency start in the place of Eric Surkamp, Richmond left-hander David Quinowski struggled and didn't make it through the first inning. Quinowski walked Ben Copeland to start the inning, before Juan Diaz sent a single to right field. Chun Chen followed with a single to left field to plate Copeland with the first run of the night. Michel Hernandez then sent an RBI double to left-center field. Quinowski walked John Drennen before Kyle Bellows lifted a sacrifice-fly to center field for a 3-0 lead. A batter later, Cristo Arnal capped the five-run inning with a two-run single to right field.

Quinowski (4-3) departed in the first inning, taking the loss in his first career start, lasting just 2/3 of an inning. He was charged with five runs - all earned - on four hits. He walked two and struck out none.

Richmond got on the board for the first time against right-hander Steven Wright in the second inning, plating a pair of runs. Wes Hodges led off with a single, and Wright walked Johnny Monell. Sharlon Schoop recorded an RBI single, and after Skyler Stromsmoe singled to load the bases again, Darren Ford brought in Monell with an RBI groundout.

Akron stretched their lead back to five runs against right-hander Austin Fleet in the fourth inning. Fleet, making his Double-A debut, had entered in the first inning for Quinowski, and pitched well into the fourth. However, he conceded a lead-off single to Arnal to start trouble. A batter later, Copeland doubled home a run. Diaz again put the lead at five when he followed with an RBI single.

The Squirrels would again chip away, getting two more back against Wright in the sixth inning. Chris Dominguez got Richmond started with a one-out single back up the middle. Dominguez moved to second on a passed ball, and scored when Hodges laced a double into right-center field. Hodges later scored on a wild-pitch, as Richmond cut the Aeros' lead to 7-4.

Richmond got one run closer in the seventh before their rally stalled. Wright (2-3) conceded a run that scored on a double-play ball from Wendell Fairley, before departing to the victory over 6 2/3 innings. He earned his second victory, despite being tagged for five earned runs on eight hits. He walked four and struck out six.

Left-hander Kelvin De la Cruz bridged the gap for Akron between Wright and closer Cory Burns. Burns entered in the eighth inning, and recorded the final five outs to record his 33rd save of the season.

Game three of the four-game series is scheduled for 7:05 PM at Canal Park on Friday night. LHP Ryan Verdugo (8-5, 4.17) will make the start for the Squirrels against LHP T.J. McFarland (9-8, 3.98) for the Aeros. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 PM, and can be heard on Sports Radio 910 AM and SportsRadio910.com.

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Eastern League Stories from August 26, 2011


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