Squirrels at home, face hated Baysox

The Squirrels are up facing the hated Bowie Baysox — including their pitcher down from the Orioles. Who has a dropped murder charge in the Dominican Republic?

May 17, 2011; 2:18 PM • by Matt Sadler

Last Week

The Squirrels salvaged a respectable 3-3 over the previous week. The week started off very promising as Daryl Maday and the bullpen shutout the Baysox in 1-0 Final. The Squirrels were unable to continue the momentum as they let Bowie come back to win in the next 2 games. Richmond returned home on Thursday to take on Harrisburg. Erik Surkamp was not his dominant self, but the Squirrels managed an extra inning win in game one. Game two, the Senators Brad Peacock had 14 K’s over seven innings and managed to shut down Richmond 5-2. Mick Foley and Saturday were a washout. Sunday, Richmond went nutz at the plate and busted out for 22 hits and 11 runs in capturing the series finale.

This Week

Bowie Baysox Coming to Richmond

Bowie comes into town after losing three in a row at the hands of the Akron Aeros. So far this season, Richmond is 1-5 against the Orioles AA squad. Richmond, will be sending Clayton Tanner this evening against the O’s closer from last season, Alfredo Simon. Simon has yet to return to the big leagues after a dropped murder charge in his home country of the Dominican Republic. Wednesday features Ryan Verdugo against the Baysox ace, Zach Clark. Thursday’s series finale will be the strikeout machine Eric Surkamp again Wynn Pelzer. Surkamp should be able to feast against the Baysox hitters.

Richmond to take on the Reading Phillies

At one point the Reading Phillies seemed to be dominating the Eastern Division Standings, but after going 5-5 in their last 10 games, they have dropped to 3rd place and a game back from New Britain. It’s hard to believe it but 1B Cody Overbeck already has 11 HR on the season which leads the league. DH Matt Rizzotti is sporting a healthy .361 and six HR. Richmond will be forced to face Reading’s top two pitchers in JC Ramirez and Austin Hyatt who both have five wins and sport ERA’s right around 3.00.

Players to Watch

• Nick Noonan has collected six hits in the previous two games and has raised his average to .278.
• Dan Otero extended his scoreless streak to 15 2/3 innings over his previous nine innings.
• Justin Christian has provided a spark for the team on the basepaths with 10 steals this season.

At the Diamond

• Tonight is Villain Night. Fans are to dress up as their favorite villain. I am planning on resuming my previous role as the Domino’s Pizza Noid.
• Tomorrow night is Bark in the Park night, where fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the game. I would suggest avoiding the open toe shoes and watching wear you step.
• Thursday’s Series Finale will be capped off with a Fireworks display.

Have a great week and Go Squirrels!

Related

• Bowie’s Alfredo Simon to be charged with involuntary manslaughter

Photo by: John Murden

May 17, 2011 2:18 PM 0