Flying Squirrels go 3-3

Despite losing on Saturday, the Squirrels were able to achieve some success against major league veteran pitcher, Jose Contreras by loading the bases against him.

May 23, 2011; 2:27 PM • by Matt Sadler

Last Week

It was another 3-3 week in the books for the Flying Squirrels. First, Bowie came into town and took two out of three. It was relief pitcher Ryan Verdugo that held the Baysox at bay in game two of the series for Richmond to clinch the 4-2 victory. Thursday’s game was another marathon game, as the two teams battled for 16 innings with Bowie prevailing 3-2. On Friday, Richmond escaped with a 4-3 win against Reading, despite the Phils having runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs in the 9th. Despite losing on Saturday, the Squirrels were able to achieve some success against major league veteran pitcher, Jose Contreras by loading the bases against him. On Sunday it was Clayton Tanner’s turn to shine, as he out-dueled the Phillies’ JC Ramirez to a 3-2 victory.

This Week

Erie SeaWolves

Tonight starts a four-game series against the Erie SeaWolves. Erie is tied with Richmond and Akron for last place in the Western Division standings (2.0 games back) despite taking two from Bowie over the weekend. Outfielders Justin Henry and Ben Guez lead the team in hitting, batting .343 and .340, respectively. Their most prolific starting pitcher is Jacob Turner, who is sporting a 2.53 ERA, yet his record is only 1-1. Richmond’s Daryl Maday will be squaring up against him in Thursday’s game.

@Akron Aeros

Akron welcomes Richmond after hosting four games with Harrisburg. Akron’s left fielder, Tim Fedroff, is the league leader in batting average at .376. Matt McBride is their biggest power threat, with 7 HR. Richmond will likely face the Aero’s ace, Austin Adams, over the weekend. Adams is currently 4-3 with a 2.45 ERA. He has only served up 4 earned runs over his previous four starts.

Squirrels to Watch

Roger Kieschnick – Since seeing his average hit .173 in early May, Kieschnick is hitting .340 (18-for-53) and has hits in ten of his last twelve games, including multi-hit performances in eight of those games. 5 of his 18 hits have gone for extra bases, including three doubles, a triple, and a home run. He has driven in seven runs.

Charlie Culberson – The second baseman is currently sporting a modest five game hitting streak. He is batting .375 (9-for-24) with two doubles and four runs scored over his last five contests, and currently leads the club in batting average (.296) and slugging percentage (.385)

Ronnie Ray – The right hander has worked 15 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings spanning his last seven appearances, including working a season-long four innings on Thursday night against Bowie. He has fanned 20 batters and has walked three over that stretch. Opponents are hitting .102 (5-for-49) against him over his last seven outings. Ray has lowered his ERA from 1.93 to 0.99, and opponent batting average from .304 to .200.

This Week at the Diamond

• Monday – “Bike Night”- If you have a Harley, tonight is the night to for looking and tough and making loud noises on your hog.
• Tuesday – “Fireworks/Tribute to Bacon” with special guest, Kevin Bacon. Don’t get to excited, THE Kevin Bacon will not be there, but there will be a contest to win a year’s supply of bacon. That’s some serious commitment to bacon.
• Wednesday – “Erik Estrada Night”- Our favorite TV motorcycle cop is in town and will be available for pictures and autographs.
• Thursday – “Fireworks/80’s night”- It’s time to break out the leggings or the Miami Vice jackets. Coolness will reign supreme in the Diamond this evening.

May 23, 2011 2:27 PM 0