Can the Flying Squirrels still fly?

After a couple of losses the Squirrels slide further down the Eastern League standings. But hey, games are still fun right? People are still going nutz out there, right?

June 7, 2011; 11:34 PM • by Matt Sadler

Last Week

@ Bowie

Bowie continued its dominance against Richmond last week, when they took two of three at Prince George’s Stadium. Bowie is now 10-4 versus the Flying Squirrels this season. Game One was a gem by Baysox starter, Steve Johnson, who 1-hit Richmond over eight innings. Game Two was marred by an early rain delay, and the Baysox eventually took that one 3-2. In Game Three, it was Richmond’s turn to show off their pitching and Ryan Verdugo did so by shutting out the Baysox 4-0.

Reading

On Friday, pitching stud, Eric Surkamp ran into a wall, as he allowed a season-high five earned runs on seven hits. Saturday, pitcher Justin Fitzgerald pitched well as he gave up two earned runs on seven hits over seven innings, but it took an 8th inning rally to overcome Reading and tie up the series. On Sunday Daryl Maday overcame a few early runs to earn the victory as the Squirrels’ bats came to life and they took the series on a 6-4 victory.

This Week

@Portland

The Red Sox AA Squad is coming off of a 3 game sweep of the Altoona Curve where they outscored their opponents 23-6. Outfielder Chih-Hsien Chiang has been selected the Eastern League Player of the Week for hitting .424 with three HR, eight Runs Scored, and eight RBI during the stretch. Chiang is one of 4 players on the Sea Dogs with a BA over .300. He is also 3rd on the team with 8 HRs. Richmond is also lucky enough to draw the Sea Dogs top two starting pitchers- Alex Wilson and Stephen Fife. Both pitchers are 5-3 with ERAs under 3.5

@New Hampshire

The Fisher Cats are showing off the deep Toronto farm system by dominating the Eastern League. Despite the 35-21 record, New Hampshire is currently suffering a 3 game losing streak. The Fisher Cats are led by 1st Baseman Mike McDade with his .321 BA, 7 HR, and 36 RBI. Reidier Gonzalez is the staff’s most dominant pitcher. He is 6-1 with a 2.56 ERA. The record is astonishing considering the team is middle of the pack when it comes to their hitting and pitching statistics.

Players to Watch

Ryan Verdugo – The lefty is possibly surpassing Eric Surkamp as the Squirrels’ best pitcher. He was recently named the league’s Pitcher of the Week. In the 24 year-old’s one start during the week he threw a career high 8.0 innings and struck out 10 batters allowing no runs and walking just one.

Aaron Lowenstein – The catcher has hits in a season-long six straight games after going 1-for-3 last Saturday vs Reading. The 25-year-old is 7-for-17 (.412) over that span with a double, a RBI, and a run scored. Lowenstein’s .750 throwing percentage leads all Eastern League catchers with at least 20 attempts.

Jose Flores – The Third baseman has hits in a season-high five straight games including collecting a season-best three hits 6/2 at Bowie. The 23-year-old is batting .444 (8-for-18) over that span with a triple, a RBI, and four runs scored

At the Diamond

No home games this week. Use the time to catch up on the Richmond Kickers or the Richmond Raiders.

June 7, 2011 11:34 PM 0