EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Squirrels Slip Past Senators, 8-6

Published on August 27, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


Altoona, PA - Wes Hodges went 3-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored as the Richmond Flying Squirrels (68-67) broke out of their offensive slump with an 8-6 victory over the Harrisburg Senators (61-73) in the opener of a four-game series at The Diamond Monday night. Richmond had been shut out in their previous two games in Altoona and had scored just two runs in their last three contests prior to Monday's win. The Squirrels kept pace with wild-card leader Bowie, which defeated Erie Monday and remain 5 1/2 games in front of Richmond .

Richmond struck first with three runs in the bottom of the second. Mark Minicozzi and Hodges hit consecutive singles to start the inning. After Senators starter Chien-Ming Wang issued a walk to Johnny Monell, Ehire Adrianza delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Minicozzi. Ryan Cavan followed with an RBI single that plated Hodges and Craig Westcott singled to load the bases. Gary Brown's RBI groundout drove in Monell and gave Richmond a 3-0 advantage.

The Flying Squirrels added two more runs in the bottom of the third. Juan Perez led off the frame with an infield single. He advanced to second base on Minicozzi's groundout and Hodges followed with an RBI single. Then, Monell ripped a double to left field that scored Hodges from first and extended Richmond's lead to 5-0.

Unfortunately for Richmond, starter Craig Westcott began to struggle in the top of the fourth. He issued a leadoff walk to Anthony Rendon. After retiring Justin Bloxom, Westcott gave up four consecutive one-out hits. Jhonatan Solano singled, which put runners at first and second for Harrisburg. Then, Destin Hood and Sean Nicol hit back-to-back RBI singles and Jose Lozada followed with an RBI double, which scored Hood and allowed Nicol to reach third base. Wang drove in Nicol with an RBI groundout that reduced Richmond's lead to 5-4.

The Senators tacked on two more runs in the fifth. Two of the first three Harrisburg batters reached as Jimmy Van Ostrand and Justin Bloxom each singled. Solano delivered an RBI single to right-center field that scored Van Ostrand and Hood followed with an RBI groundout that gave the Senators a 6-5 lead.

Richmond answered with a run in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs in the inning, Hodges deposited a 3-2 offering from Wang over the left field wall. The solo home run was Hodges' third of the season for Richmond and it evened the score at 6-6.

Two banks of lights went out after the top of the sixth inning, which resulted in an 18-minute delay. When play resumed, Richmond reclaimed the lead. Adrianza singled to start the frame before Senators reliever Paul Demny retired the next two batters. Gary Brown drew a walk from Demny and the right-hander plunked Daniel Mayora with an errant pitch. Mayora was lifted for pinch-runner Nick Liles and Juan Perez laced a two-run double into the right-center field gap, which gave the Flying Squirrels an 8-6 edge.

Richmond's bullpen kept the Senators at bay through the final four frames. Chris Wilson (2-1) tossed three scoreless innings and struck out three batters to earn the win. Daryl Maday worked a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his 12th save. Demny (6-8) took the loss for Harrisburg.

The Squirrels will aim for their second straight win when the two teams meet in the second game of the four-game set Tuesday night. Richmond will send RHP Chris Heston (9-6, 2.12) to the mound. Harrisburg is expected to counter with RHP Trevor Holder (3-3, 4.46). Pregame coverage will begin on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com at 6:35 PM.

Check out the Richmond Flying Squirrels Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from August 27, 2012


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