Despite getting a strong start from righty Joe Biagini, the Richmond Flying Squirrels (3-12) lost for the 10th consecutive time, falling, 5-0, to the Reading Fightin Phils (10-7) at The Diamond on Monday night. The loss extends the Squirrels’ franchise record for consecutive losses. They were also shut out for the third time on the year.
Biagini was nearly flawless through the first six innings. He allowed just three hits, while blanking the Fightins. He had retired 11 consecutive batters as he entered the seventh. However, he found trouble once there. He issued a walk to the leadoff man, Aaron Altherr. The next batter, Brock Stassi, chopped a groundball to the third base bag. Mitch Delfino threw wildly on the play. The play was ruled an infield-single, and the throwing error moved the runners to second and third. Richmond went to the bullpen for righty Joan Gregorio. He allowed a sacrifice fly to KC Serna that gave Reading a 1-0 lead. After a walk issued to Brian Pointer, Gustavo Pierre chopped an infield-single off the plate to bring in Stassi for a 2-0 advantage.
Biagini (0-2) was outstanding, but took the loss nonetheless. He was charged with two runs, one earned, on four hits over six innings plus two batters. He walked one and struck out four.
Reading right-hander Ben Lively (1-0) was tremendous to earn the win. He briskly worked through seven scoreless innings, allowing just six hits. He has tossed 13 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two starts. He walked one and struck out seven.
The Fightins tacked on three runs in the eighth inning to put away the win. They did so against three different relievers for Richmond. Roman Quinn sparked the uprising with a solo-home run to right field off of Gregorio. The inning also included an RBI double from Stassi and an RBI single from Gabriel Lino.
Right-hander Nefi Ogando had no trouble closing out the win, facing the minimum over the final two innings to complete the shutout.
Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at The Diamond on Tuesday night. Richmond RHP Chris Stratton (0-2, 5.79) will make the start against Reading RHP Aaron Nola (1-2, 3.06). The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.
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