Four hurlers combined on the sixth shutout of the season for the Richmond Flying Squirrels (21-20), as they blanked the Altoona Curve (19-24), 3-0, on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond. The Squirrels staff limited the Curve to just two hits – none after the fourth inning – and faced just two batters over the minimum on the day. The Squirrels also claimed the series with the win.
Richmond lefty Jack Snodgrass and Altoona right-hander Jameson Taillon dueled through the first four innings of the ballgame. Returning from the disabled list to make his first start since May 6th, Snodgrass stymied the Curve on just two hits. He departed due to a pitch count, not factoring in the decision. He issued no walks and struck out two, looking sharp in his return.
Taillon continued to keep the Squirrels at bay through five innings despite surrendering six hits. Leading off the sixth inning, Mark Minicozzi took matters into his own hands. He launched a solo-home run to center field, his second blast of the season, giving the Squirrels a 1-0 lead. It was just the second home run conceded by Taillon on the season. Taillon responded with a strikeout, but Ryan Lollis singled into right field with one out. Taillon then walked Ehire Adrianza to put two aboard. Mark Wagner followed the walk with a double cracked to the warning track in left field. Lollis and Adrianza both came around for a 3-0 Richmond advantage.
Taillon (2-5) took the loss for the Curve, working six innings. He conceded three earned runs on a season-high nine hits. He walked three and matched a career-high with 10 strikeouts.
The Richmond bullpen was sensational in the win, as three pitchers combined to work five perfect innings. Right-hander Fabio Castillo followed Snodgrass and retired all nine batters he faced over three innings. Castillo also fanned five of those nine batters.
Left-hander Phil McCormick worked an easy eighth inning and handed it off to closer Daryl Maday. The righty worked a 1-2-3 ninth for the second consecutive night, earning his second save of the series and ninth of the year.
The Squirrels welcome the Trenton Thunder (New York Yankees) to The Diamond for a four-game series beginning on Monday night. The opener of the series is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Richmond RHP Omar Javier (3-0, 4.05) will make the start against Trenton RHP Mikey O’Brien (2-0, 1.64). Pregame coverage begins on Sports Radio 910, SportsRadio910.comand IHeart Radio at 6:05 p.m.
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