The Richmond Flying Squirrels (1-3) picked up their first win of the season in game two of a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon against Hartford at The Diamond.
Hartford (3-1) took the opener 5-1, while Richmond blanked the Goats in game two, 4-0. Ricky Oropesa provided the offense with a pair of home runs to surpass former Squirrels outfielder Jarrett Parker as the franchise leader. Oropesa now has three home runs on the year and 31 during his time in Richmond. The doubleheader closed out the inaugural series for Hartford, with the Squirrels playing as the road team for all four games.
Game One
The Yard Goats cashed in a pair of walks in the first inning and immediately took a 3-0 lead on a home run to right centerfield off the bat of David Dahl. It was the second homer in as many nights for Dahl. Ricky Oropesa riposted for Richmond with an opposite-field solo homer in the second. It was the second home run of the series for Oropesa and his 30th as a member of the Squirrels. The 30 home runs tied Oropesa with Jarrett Parker for the franchise record.
Chase Johnson (0-1) settled in after the shaky beginning and lasted four innings in the loss. Johnson struck out three and allowed three runs on four hits in the effort. Tyler Mizenko and Tyler Rogers each allowed a run in an inning of work.
Yard Goats starter Antonio Senzatela (1-0) earned the win pitching in his first Double-A contest. Senzatela hurled six innings and allowed just the one run on three hits to pick up the win.
Game Two
The Squirrels grabbed an early 3-0 lead on Hartford with three runs in the first inning. Myles Schroder reached to open the frame on a fielding error by second baseman Juan Ciriaco. Richmond then loaded the bases with two outs for Ryder Jones. Jones cleared the bases on a wind-aided double that fooled left fielder Rosell Herrera. The early Yard Goats miscues lead to a quick departure for starting pitcher German Marquez. Marquez lasted three innings and allowed four runs on four hits with five strikeouts.
Ricky Oropesa smacked his 31st home run as a member of the Squirrels to lead off the third. It was the third home run of the series for Oropesa and pushed him past former Squirrels outfielder Jarrett Parker as the franchise-leader. Squirrels starting pitcher Joan Gregorio was solid while pitching with the lead for the entire day. Gregorio was lifted after four innings without allowing a hit. Dan Slania (1-0) earned the win with a pair of scoreless innings and hard-throwing reliever Ray Black finished the game with a scoreless frame.
The Squirrels are off Sunday and will head to Reading on Monday to begin a three game series against the Fightin Phils. LHP Matt Gage will make his 2016 debut against Reading LHP Anthony Vasquez. The Flying Squirrels 2016 home schedule begins April 14th at 6:35 PM against the Altoona Curve with Hall of Fame Running Back Jerome Bettis throwing out the first pitch. Season tickets, mini plans, and group packages are currently available by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN or online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com.
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Chris Graham
