Flying Squirrels outswerve Curve

The Flying Squirrels (36-33) snuck out a rain-shortened 2-1 win over the Altoona Curve (35-31) in the series finale during a muddy Thursday evening at The Diamond. Richmond right-hander Jordan Johnson bested Altoona lefty Taylor Hearn by tossing all five innings in the win. Both hurlers pitched through the rain, with Johnson securing the last out on a grounder to short in the top of the fifth, making the contest official. The Flying Squirrels homestand continues Friday with the first of four games against the Bowie Baysox. Friday in Funnville is a Free Shirt Friday and RVA’s Best Happy Hour. The first 1,500 fans (15+) will receive a free Vintage ¾ Sleeve Shirt Giveaway presented by Mountain Dew.

Before the rain arrived, the Flying Squirrels pushed across a run in the bottom of the first inning. With two outs, Miguel Gomez bounced a ball back through the box and into centerfield for a base hit. Taylor Hearn then unleashed a wild pitch, advancing Gomez to second base. Dylan Davis followed and ripped a single into left field, scoring Gomez for a 1-0 advantage.

Johnson cruised through the first inning and worked around a pair of errors in the second. With the bases loaded and one out in the second, Johnson settled the inning by striking out Tyler Gaffney and Taylor Hearn to end the threat.

The Curve managed to tie the game as the rainfall increased into the middle innings. Bralin Jackson singled with one out in the third and Jason Marin followed with a base hit to right field. With two outs, Jordan George looped a base hit to right field, scoring Jackson to tie the game, 1-1.

Richmond immediately responded in the home half of the third by launching his first home run of the season. Hinojosa’s blast put Richmond on top 2-1 and allowed the game to come to a halt after the Squirrels recorded three outs in the top of the fifth. Johnson (6-6) earned the win and was credited with his second complete game (both rain-shortened). Johnson walked one and struck out five to in the victory.

The Flying Squirrels homestand continues Friday with the first of four games against the Bowie Baysox. Richmond LHP Conner Menez (1-0, 0.00) will make his Diamond debut in the series opener tomorrow. Bowie has not announced their starter for the contest. Friday in Funnville is a Free Shirt Friday and RVA’s Best Happy Hour. The first 1,500 fans (15+) will receive a free Vintage ¾ Sleeve Shirt Giveaway presented by Mountain Dew. Tickets can be purchased online over the phone by calling 804-359-3866 (FUNN).