EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Mesmerized by Packer, Dumped by Aeros, 4-0

Published on August 19, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - Left-hander Matt Packer confounded the Flying Squirrels (66-58) for eight innings, as the Akron Aeros (65-60) blanked Richmond, 4-0, in the opener of a three-game series in front of 8,167 at The Diamond on Friday night. It marked the eighth time on the season that the Squirrels were shut out.

The Aeros blitzed Squirrels' right-hander Justin Fitzgerald for the early lead with two outs in the first inning. Ben Copeland sparked the uprising with a single that he banked off the leg of Fitzgerald on the mound. Chun Chen followed and blasted a two-run home run to left field off a hanging 0-2 slider from Fitzgerald for a 2-0 Akron advantage.

It was the only mistake Fitzgerald (8-8) made in the ballgame, but the Squirrels would never recover from it. He held the Aeros off for the next six innings, but departed to the loss after seven innings. He allowed two runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out six.

Akron put the game away against left-hander Alex Hinshaw in the eighth inning. After Hinshaw issued a pair of two-out walks, John Drennen lofted a two-run triple to center field to cap the scoring in the ballgame, 4-0.

Throughout, Packer (7-11) was sensational. He allowed the Squirrels just four hits over eight innings, walked one and matched a season-high with nine strikeouts. Right-hander Tyler Sturdevant handled the ninth inning, retiring Richmond in order to complete the four-hit shutout.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for 6:35 PM on Saturday night at The Diamond. LHP Chuck Lofgren (2-1, 3.48) will make the start for the Squirrels. Akron has yet to announce their starter for game two. For tickets or more information, please visit SquirrelsBaseball.com.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from August 19, 2011


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