Flying Squirrels hit the road to Reading

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (7-7) head out tonight for a 3 game series at the Reading Phillies (6-8) having won 6 of their last 7 games. Having limped home with a 1-6 record after the season’s opening road series, the Squirrels leave out having taken three out of four from the Reading Phillies and three […]

April 23, 2010; 4:30 PM • by John Murden

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (7-7) head out tonight for a 3 game series at the Reading Phillies (6-8) having won 6 of their last 7 games.

Having limped home with a 1-6 record after the season’s opening road series, the Squirrels leave out having taken three out of four from the Reading Phillies and three straight from the New Britain Rock Cats to sweep the series. This change of fortune moves the Squirrels into 3rd place in the division, and the 3 games against Reading should put the Squirrels above .500 for the first time this season.

Tonight’s game features Craig Clark (1-1, 3.00) pitching for Richmond and Joe Blanton on the mound for ~~Philadelphia~~ Reading. Phillies starter Blanton is on a rehab assignment from the MLB Philadelphia Phillies, with tonight marking his first appearance with the Reading Phillies. The 29-year-old pitcher, on the disabled list since March 26, was an important piece of the Philadelphia Phillies 2008 and 2009 World Series team and recently signed a 3-year, $24 million contract extension. This ought to be a good test of the recently heated Flying Squirrels bats.

Tonight will be something of a homecoming for the Phoenixville, Pennsylvania native Clark. His ties to Penn State, too, can’t help but to draw some support in this away game. Clark has faced the Phillies once already this year, in last Saturday’s 4-1 win at home. He allowed only 3 hits and no runs in an impressive five innings.

The Saturday game is a chance for Mike MacDonald to avenge his Sunday loss to Reading here at the Diamond. The Phillies put together 2 double run innings in the 4th and the 5th as part of a 10 hit 5-2 victory.

Reading likely starter on Sunday Vance Worley got the win in Richmond’s only loss of the homestand. This will be the 3rd day game of the season for the Flying Squirrels, who are still looking for their first day game win.

Friday April 23 – 7:05PM (AWAY)
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Reading Phillies
Clark (1-1, 3.00) vs. Blanton (0-0, -.–)

Saturday April 24 – 6:05PM (AWAY)
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Reading Phillies
Mike MacDonald (0-1, 3.00) vs Drew Naylor (1-1, 3.09)

Sunday April 25 – 1:05PM (AWAY)
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Reading Phillies
Clayton Tanner (1-1, 2.81) vs Vance Worley (1-2, 6.75)