The Richmond Flying Squirrels (13-9) scored six times in the eighth inning to stun the New Britain Rock Cats (6-15), 7-5, on Sunday afternoon at The Diamond.
The Rock Cats did themselves no favors in the six-run inning, forcing in three runs with three consecutive batters hit by a pitch. The Rock Cats also issued the Squirrels two walks in the inning. The Squirrels collected just three hits in the inning, with the biggest being a two-run single from Ricky Oropesa that scored the two go-ahead runs. Earlier in the frame, Matt Duffy drew a walk to force in a run and then Jarrett Parker, Angel Villalona and Mario Lisson were all hit by pitches to plate runs. Lefty Jim Fuller (1-1) faced only Parker, but took the loss for the Rock Cats. Four of the runs were charged to the pitcher that started the inning on the hill, former Squirrels’ closer Daniel Turpen.
Early on in the ballgame, Squirrels’ lefty Kelvin Marte looked as though he was going to work a quick first inning. However, he conceded a two-out broken-bat single to Nate Hanson that extended the inning. Kennys Vargas followed with a double to the left-field corner. Brandon Waring then crunched a two-run double off the wall in left-center field for a 2-0 New Britain lead.
Marte limped through the third inning, but got knocked around in the fourth inning – his final frame. Reynaldo Rodriguez sparked the inning with a one-out double to left-center field. Kyle Knudson followed the same path with a second consecutive double to plate Rodriguez. A.J. Petterson made it three straight doubles, bringing in Knudson for a 3-0 New Britain advantage.
Marte was lifted after four innings. He conceded four earned runs on eight hits, walked one and struck out one. He did not factor in the decision.
Meanwhile, New Britain right-hander Virgil Vasquez was cruising. He shut down the Squirrels over six scoreless innings, allowing just three singles. He walked just one, struck out four, and was robbed of the win with Richmond’s late rally.
Right-hander Edwin Quirarte replaced Marte for Richmond and retired the first eight Rock Cats that he faced. However, he hit Hanson with two outs in the sixth inning. Vargas followed with a double and Waring made it 5-0 when he poked a single into right-center field.
The Squirrels finally got on the board off lefty Ryan O’Roarke in the bottom of the seventh inning. Lisson lifted a solo-home run to right field to make it a 5-1 lead for New Britain.
Quirarte (3-1) worked four full innings of relief and earned the win for Richmond. He conceded just the lone run and won for the third time on the year.
Right-hander Derek Law entered for the ninth inning and had a little trouble before closing the door and earning his fifth save of the season.
The Squirrels’ weeklong homestand continues as they open a four-game series with the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) on Monday night at The Diamond. First pitch of the opener is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. as Richmond LHP Ty Blach (1-1, 2.16) will make the start against Bowie RHP Zach Davies (1-1, 3.48). Pregame coverage will begin on Sports Radio 910 andSportsRadio910.com at 6:05 p.m.
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Chris Graham
