Thomas' Go-Ahead Single Completes Comeback in Rain-Shortened Win
July 20, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
AKRON, Ohio - A timely two-run fifth inning with a clutch hit by Andy Thomas drove the Richmond Flying Squirrels to a 3-2 win over the Akron RubberDucks on Thursday night in a game completed early due to rain.
The Flying Squirrels (44-43, 11-7) notched their 19th come-from-behind win of the season and their second win this week over the RubberDucks (44-43, 9-9).
After Akron reliever Matt Turner (Loss, 0-1) allowed two singles and a walk to load the bases in the top of the fifth inning, Brandon Martorano lifted a sacrifice fly and brought home Simon Whiteman to even the score, 2-2.
In the next at-bat, Thomas scorched a single up the middle and Wade Meckler sprinted home from second base to push Richmond in front, 3-2. Thomas collected two hits and two RBIs in the rain-shortened victory.
Richmond starter Carson Seymour struck out back-to-back batters to start the bottom of the fifth, notching a season-high seven strikeouts in his outing. After a two-out single to Jose Tena, Raymond Burgos (Win, 6-2) checked in and worked a groundout to hold Akron scoreless.
The game went into a rain delay after the bottom of the fifth inning and was called complete after a 37-minute delay.
The Flying Squirrels jumped ahead, 1-0, in the first when Thomas ripped an RBI single to left field to score Shane Matheny from second base.
Johnathan Rodriguez gave the RubberDucks a 2-1 advantage in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run homer to right-center.
The Flying Squirrels will face the Akron RubberDucks Friday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. from Canal Park. Left-hander Nick Zwack (5-5, 6.44) opposed by Akron left-hander Doug Nikhazy (2-5, 3.66).
After the road trip, the Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond on Tuesday, July 25 to begin a six-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. On Tuesday, enjoy Summer St. Paddy's Day at The Diamond and the first 1,000 fans 21 and older can pick up an Irish T-Shirt presented by Brown Distributing. Plus fans 21 and older can enjoy happy hour specials with $2 12-ounce domestic beers and $2 fountain sodas from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tickets and promotions information are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.
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