Left-hander Kelvin Marte was brilliant across eight innings as the Richmond Flying Squirrels (40-37) blanked the Harrisburg Senators (38-42), 2-0, at Metro Bank Park on Thursday night. The Richmond win snapped an eight-game win-streak for the Senators.
Harrisburg right-hander Austin Voth was also tremendous in his second start of the year against Richmond. He worked six scoreless innings, allowing just five hits – all singles. He walked three and struck out five. Voth has made two starts against the Squirrels and tossed 13 combined scoreless innings. However, he did not register a decision.
Marte (7-1) was better. He was nearly perfect over eight innings. He allowed a hit to Wilmer Difo, who led off the first inning. However, he then picked off Difo and went on to retire the next 22 batters. He allowed just one additional hit, walked none and struck out three. He earned his staff-best seventh win of the season in his lengthiest outing of the year.
The Squirrels finally broke the stalemate against righty Wander Suero in the ninth. Austin Slater drew a lead-off walk, and a batter later, Eliezer Zambrano belted a two-run home run to right field. Marte’s second of the season accounted for the only runs in the ballgame. Suero (0-1) took the loss for the Senators.
Right-hander Derek Law had a little trouble in the ninth, but ultimately struck out the side to preserve the shutout and earn his second save of the season.
The finale of the four-game series is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday night at Metro Bank Park. Richmond LHP Matt Lujan (5-5, 4.52) will make the start against Harrisburg RHP Colin Bates (3-0, 3.44). The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.
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Chris Graham
