EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Lose Lead, Then Opener, 4-2

Published on April 18, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


TRENTON, NJ - The Trenton Thunder (5-6) rallied for three runs in the seventh inning to upend the Richmond Flying Squirrels (5-6), 4-2, on Monday night at Mercer County Waterfront Park. The Squirrels had led throughout the ballgame, and lost for the first time on the season when leading after six innings.

Jose Flores got the Squirrels started offensively when he cranked a 2-2 pitch from Trenton starter Steve Garrison over the left-field wall for a solo-home run in the top of the first inning. Flores' second home run of the season gave the Squirrels a quick, 1-0, lead.

Garrison settled in and allowed just one more hit through five innings. However, he left trailing, after allowing a lone run on two hits, walking one and striking out five. Richmond starter Ryan Verdugo was sensational for the Squirrels, shutting out the Thunder into the sixth inning. He allowed just five total hits, walked one and struck out seven, including the side in the fifth inning. He departed during his lone spot of trouble, with runners at first and second with one out in the sixth inning. Right-hander Ronnie Ray was summoned in relief, and needed just one pitch to ground Austin Romine into an inning-ending double-play.

Richmond added a run to their lead in the top of the seventh when Mike McBryde led off with an infield-single off of right-hander Cory Arbiso. A batter later, Juan Perez tripled over the head of center fielder Melky Mesa, bringing McBryde around from first base for a 2-0 lead.

Trenton awoke at the plate in the bottom of the inning, rallying against Squirrels' left-hander Thomas Vessella. Bradley Suttle started the inning with a single into center field. Vessella then issued a walk to Cody Johnson to put two aboard. Mesa then lifted a high-fly ball to center field that caromed off the base of the wall. The double scored Suttle and moved Johnson to third with nobody out. Corban Joseph grounded out to second base to tie the game, 2-2, as Richmond conceded Johnson's run. The Thunder forged ahead when Addison Maruszak singled into right field for a 3-2 advantage.

Right-hander Edwin Quararte came on to douse the flames with a double-play ball, but Richmond had lost the lead for good. Vessella (1-1) was tagged with the loss over a 1/3 of an inning. He allowed three runs on four hits as he lost for the first time on the season. Arbiso (1-0) earned the win for Trenton, having worked two innings of relief.

Trenton tacked on a run against Quirarte with back-to-back doubles in the eighth inning. Brian Anderson and Fernando Hernandez each worked a scoreless inning to nail down the come-from-behind victory for the Thunder. Anderson worked a scoreless eighth and Hernandez earned his first save of the season despite two Richmond hits in the ninth.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for 7:05 PM. RHP Daryl Maday (0-1, 5.06) will make the start for the Squirrels. Trenton's starter for game two has yet to be determined.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from April 18, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central