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EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Skip off on Monell's 11th Inning Blast, 6-3

May 12, 2011 - Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - In their league-leading seventh extra-inning game of the season, the Richmond Flying Squirrels (16-18) walked off with a, 6-3, victory over the Harrisburg Senators (16-17) on Johnny Monell's 11th inning three-run home run on Thursday night at The Diamond. It was just the second walk-off home run in Squirrels' franchise history.

Roger Kieschnick ignited the game-winning rally with a one-out infield-single in the 11th inning off of Harrisburg right-hander Ryan Mattheus. Juan Perez followed with an infield-single, his third hit of the night, to put two aboard. Mattheus recorded the second out of the inning, but Monell followed and cranked a 2-2 fast ball over the wall in left-center field to end the ballgame. Monell's fourth home run of the season was also his fourth hit of the night, as he became the first Squirrel to record a four-hit game on the season. Mattheus (2-1) endured his first loss of the season.

Justin Christian sparked the Squirrels to a quick start against Harrisburg right-hander Ryan Tatusko, as he led off the first inning with an infield-single. Christian swiped second base, took third on a ground out, and scored easily when Charlie Culberson ripped a double to left field. Culberson then scored to make it 2-0 Richmond when Kieschnick chopped a ground ball to shortstop Stephen King, which King misplayed. One of the runs in the inning was unearned due to the error assessed to King.

Tatusko was lifted from the ballgame as the Squirrels attempted to rally in the fifth inning. Carlos Martinez entered and snuffed out the threat, as Richmond continued to lead, 2-0. All told, Tatusko worked 4 2/3 innings, conceding only the two runs in the first inning. He didn't factor in the decision, surrendering six hits, walking two and striking out three.

Meanwhile, Squirrels left-hander Eric Surkamp coasted into the sixth inning, having shutout the Senators on three hits. However, with one out in the sixth, Tyler Moore launched his fifth home run of the season to left field. The solo-shot cut the Squirrels' advantage in half at 2-1. The next three hitters each recorded singles, and Surkamp was removed in favor of Ronnie Ray. Ray uncorked a wild-pitch with Jonathan Tucker the plate, allowing Derek Norris to score to tie the ballgame, 2-2.

Surkamp was charged with both runs in the sixth inning, and received a no-decision over 5 2/3 innings. He conceded seven hits, walked two and struck out five.

Richmond reclaimed the lead with a run off of reliever Cory VanAllen in the seventh inning. VanAllen issued back-to-back walks to Nick Noonan and Charlie Culberson to start the inning. Two batters later, Joe Koshansky laced an RBI single to left-center field to plate Noonan for a 3-2 lead.

The Senators evened the score on a peculiar play in the bottom of the eighth inning. Norris struck out against right--hander Ronnie Ray, but reached first base on a wild-pitch. Archie Gilbert was walked and the pair attempted a double-steal with King at the plate. As Monell attempted to throw to third base, his throwing hand struck the bat of King. The ball ricocheted out of play into the Senators' dugout, and Norris was awared home plate to tie the game, 3-3.

Left-hander Justin Dowdy (4-0) earned the win for Richmond, having worked a scoreless top of the 11th. He recorded his fourth victory on the season.

Game two of the four-game series is scheduled for 7:05 PM on Friday night at The Diamond. RHP Justin Fitzgerald (2-2, 3.99) will make the start for the Squirrels against RHP Brad Peacock (4-1, 2.29) for the Senators.

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