Flying Squirrels defeat Akron 2-1, Win Back-to-Back Games, Loses Series 3-2 (July 8,2018)

By:Darrell Owens

(Headline Photo Credit:Darrell Owens:LMS Network)

Coming into today’s (July 8,2018)  Eastern League West Division matchup between the Richmond Flying Squirrels (42-44) and the Akron RubberDucks (51-37). The RubberDucks have the best record in the Eastern League and have won 7 of Of their last 10 including the first 3 games of this 5-game series. The Flying Squirrels have struggled since our last article about the club back on June 10. Richmond was sitting in second place with a 31-28 record and since then they have accumulated 11-16 record including a 6-game losing streak, which was snapped last night with a 6-2 victory over Akron. Now not all has been bad during the Squirrels recent struggles. Six Flying Squirrels were named to the Eastern League All-Star Team those players are as followed: Pitcher Shaun Anderson (will not play in All-Star game, selected for MLB Futures Game at Nationals Park), Pitcher Dillon McNamara, Pitcher Caleb Simpson, Outfielder Luigi Rodriguez (Will also participate in the Eastern League HR Derby), Shortstop Ryan Howard and Pitcher Dan Slania (replaced Anderson). With all that being said let’s get today’s recap!

Both teams started out with great pitching and good defense in the first 3 innings, then in the bottom of the 4th, C/1B Aramis Garcia hit a solo home run to right/center field to give Richmond the early 1-0 lead through 4 innings. In the top of the 5th, Akron’s 1B Bobby Bradley would tie the game up jmmediately with a solo homerun of his own to right field. Two more scoreless innings would see us in the Bottom of the 8th, were the Flying Squirrels would get things cooking again. With 2 outs, singles by C.J. Hinojosa & Ryan Howard plus a Dylan Davis walk would load the bases. Next batter Aramis Garcia, would get hit by a pitch bring in the go-head run, given Richmond a 2-1 lead going into the 9th. In the Top Of The 9th, Sam Wolff would come in for Richmond and pick up the save (His first of the season), after 3 strong innings from All-Star Shaun Anderson and 5 great innings starting pitcher Chase Johnson to shut the door on Akron winning 2-1 on a beautiful day for baseball at The Diamond.

Richmond’s next game will Thursday at Trenton starting a 4-game series with the Thunder and the next home series will start on July 16 vs. Erie. Today brings the Flying Squirrels (43-44) one game away from be back at .500 for the season.