Squirrels need to make it count

The Squirrels made their playoff case by going 4-2 last week against two solid ball clubs; however, with last night’s loss, Richmond fell back to two games behind Bowie for the wild card.

August 23, 2011; 4:29 PM • by Matt Sadler

The Squirrels made their playoff case by going 4-2 last week against two solid ball clubs; however, with last night’s loss, Richmond fell back to two games behind Bowie for the wild card. 15 games left in the season with four games at home, mean that the time is now for Richmond to make a move in standings. Otherwise, it will just be another good season with nothing to show for it.

Last week

vs. Bowie Baysox

It seems like Richmond was able to exercise their demons and actually win a series against Bowie. Game One, Eric Surkamp had a rough first inning, but he settled down as the Squirrels came back to defeat the Baysox 5-4. In Game 2, the Baysox jumped to an early 4-0 lead, but a three run homer by Charlie Culberson sparked Richmond to the 8-5 win. In the series finale, it was Bowie’s turn to take take advantage of the other teams pitchers. They walked eight times and squeaked past Richmond by the score of 5-4.

vs Akron Aeros

The Aeros came to town and immediately showed their muscle as their starter, Matt Packer, went eight shutout innings in the 4-0 win. Game Two, it was some scrappy play and a two-run homer by Roger Kieschnick that helped propel Richmond to the 8-6 victory. Game Three was a pitchers duel for the first seven innings as both teams were held scoreless. As Surkamp was able to push through the 8th, the Squirrels were able to get to the Akron starter for two runs. That is all that they would need in the 2-0 victory.

This week

@Altoona Curve

Game One of this match up was a disaster for the Richmond bullpen as they surrendered their 2-1 advantage and eventually lost the game int he 9th. Outfield Starlin Marte made his presence known in Game One as he continued his hot stretch. He is batting 409 with eight extra base hits over his last 10 games. The Squirrels batters will have their hands full with starting pitcher Kyle McPherson who is 6-2 with a 3.12 ERA over his last 10 appearances.

@ Akron Aeros

A different week, but it is the same foe. Richmond gets to visit Akron for their final series against the Aeros. After taking two of three from Akron in Richmond, the Squirrels will have to be playing some good ball in order to provide similar results away from the Diamond. The good news is that Richmond may get to miss starter Matt Parker, who gave them fits on Friday. They will likely have to face Steven Wright, the knuckleballer who went pitch for pitch against Surkamp on Sunday.

Squirrels to Watch

• RP Heath Hembree– It was a good week for the Squirrels closer as he was able to secure three saves in three opportunities. He did give up a run in the two inning relief appearance against Bowie, but his two other saves were flawless.
• LF Skyler Stromsmoe– 10-19 (.526 BA) with seven runs scored. Skyler was on the basepaths almost all week. In an already crowded outfield, Stromsmoe is making his case for more playing time.

At the Diamond

• No games this week. Richmond will have their final home series vs. New Britain starting next week.

August 23, 2011 4:29 PM 0