Squirrels rising

With some distance opening up between Altoona and the rest of the Western Division, the Flying Squirrels are locked in a close chase for 2nd place and showing new signs of life. This homestand also brings both 70s Night and Gently Used Car Giveaway Night.

June 28, 2010; 10:42 AM • by John Murden

Playing in Akron, Richmond lost 2 of 3 but really had a chance in each of the games and this series could’ve very easily gone the other way. The Squirrels then rolled into Erie and, staring last place in the eye, took all 3 from the SeaWolves. Reminiscent of the hot streak of May, the club’s starting pitching has settled into a strong groove and has put up 6 or more innings for past 10 games. New to the mix is more potent hitting, with the Squirrels collecting 60 hits in Akron and Erie. With both of these teams coming to the Diamond this week, we’ll get a chance to see if perhaps the Squirrels are into something good.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (36-40), Bowie Baysox (39-36), Akron Aeros (36-39), and Harrisburg Senators (36-40) are all at least 10 games behind the Altoona Curve (49-26) but within 3 1/2 games of each other. With 3 games at home with Akron and then 4 with the despondent Erie SeaWolves (31-44), the Squirrels have the opportunity to vault back up the leaderboard if they can continue to build on the successes of their 4-2 road trip.

The Squirrels showed twice in Erie that they can came back for the win, something for which they haven’t really shown the grit this season. Thomas Neal polished his prospect status with 3 homeruns in a dramatic 11-inning come-from-behind win at Erie on Saturday night. On Sunday, the Squirrels quickly fell behind 3-0 but put up 14 hits and 5 runs to take the game.

This series will be Akron’s only appearance at the Diamond this season and it ought not be very welcoming: they’ll likely face Felix Romero (0-1, 4.75), Daryl Maday (8-4, 2.22), and David Mixon (8-3, 3.07) over the next 3 days.

Monday June 28 7:05 PM (HOME)
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Akron Aeros
“Logo Ball Giveaway #2 – The first 3,000 fans of all ages will receive a Logo Ball presented by Diet Coke and 98.9 Liberty! Pre-game entertainment will be live music provided by the Bopcats!”

Tuesday June 29 7:05 PM (HOME)
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Akron Aeros
“It’s 70’s Night at The Diamond presented by Lite 98! Come out in your 70’s best for the costume contest which includes, but is not limited to: Best disco costume, highest platforms, best bell bottoms, biggest sideburns, biggest afro, and best mustache. KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets: Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free from KRAFT Singles with purchase. Bring your package wrapper to a Flying Squirrels Game on Tuesdays for a steal of a deal! Visit kraftsingles.com for more info! Exclusions apply. Pre-game entertainment is live music provided by Tolliver and Co.!”

Wednesday June 30 7:05 PM (HOME)
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs Akron Aeros
“Come out to The Diamond and enjoy Gently Used Car Giveaway Night! It’s also Armed Services Night presented by USO Banking, only at Bank of America! It’s also WAWA Wednesday – If the Squirrels win you win a coupon courtesy of WAWA! Pre-game entertainment will be live music from No Dice and there will also be Henna!”

Eastern League Standings

EAS Eastern
Club	W	L	PCT	GB	ELIM#	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
Trenton	45	29	.608	–	–	26-14	19-15	6-4	L1
New Hampshire	46	30	.605	–	–	21-13	25-17	6-4	W1
Binghamton	39	36	.520	6.5	61	20-16	19-20	8-2	W4
Portland	38	36	.514	7.0	60	19-16	19-20	4-6	W2
Reading	35	39	.473	10.0	57	24-17	11-22	7-3	L1
New Britain	20	55	.267	25.5	42	8-30	12-25	3-7	L2

EAS Western
Club	W	L	PCT	GB	ELIM#	Home	Away	L 10	Streak
Altoona	49	26	.653	–	–	23-15	26-11	7-3	W1
Bowie	39	36	.520	10.0	–	18-17	21-19	5-5	L1
Akron	36	39	.480	13.0	65	17-23	19-16	3-7	L3
Harrisburg	36	40	.474	13.5	64	17-23	19-17	4-6	W1
Richmond	36	40	.474	13.5	64	18-19	18-21	4-6	W3
Erie	31	44	.413	18.0	60	12-24	19-20	3-7	L6