‘Ducks top Squirrels in front of record-setting July 4 crowd

The Akron RubberDucks (49-36) quieted a record-tying Diamond crowd of 9.810 by limiting the Flying Squirrels (41-42) to one hit in an 8-0 defeat on Independence Day in Richmond. Flying Squirrels starting pitcher Jake McCasland tossed seven innings and allowed just one-run in the undeserved loss. Caleb Gindl fashioned the lone hit for Richmond, a double in the first inning. The Flying Squirrels continue their Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 5 with more fireworks and a Grateful Squirrel Bobblehead Giveaway presented by River City Roll.

McCasland (2-2) suffered the defeat, despite a strong effort and quality start. The righty worked seven full innings and allowed just the one run on eight hits. He walked one and struck out two, using 81 pitches in the loss. The Richmond offense was silenced by Akron’s Aaron Civale, who also tossed seven innings to earn the win.

The Ducks pulled ahead early with a run in the top of the first inning. McCasland retired the first two batters with ease until Conner Marabell looped a single into shallow left field. Bobby Bradley then delivered a double up the left field line – slicing the ball to the opposite field and scoring Marabell for the 1-0 advantage.

Following the run in the first, both Civale and McCasland moved through the order. McCasland worked around a pair of runners on base in the second, striking out Alexi Pantoja and grounding out Andrew Calica to end the threat. McCasland was at 28 pitches thrown over the first two innings and stranded a runner on in five of the first six frames.

Civale was slightly tougher on the Squirrels offense. He yielded a bloop double to Caleb Gindl in the first and then retired the next eight batters. After Gindl reached again to start the fourth, Civale set down the following 12 Richmond batters to end his outing. The righty needed just 32 pitches through the first four innings and leaned on 90 pitches in seven innings to earn the win. The ‘Ducks bullpen combination of Rob Kaminsky and Mitch Brown finished off the fourth shutout of Richmond this year.

Akron pulled away with three runs in the eighth inning and three more in the ninth. Richmond reliever Jose Flores was touched up for five of those runs as he lasted an inning in his return to The Diamond. Flores quickly picked up the first two outs to start the eight but was marred by an infield single and a walk. That allowed Ka’aa Tom to float an RBI base hit into right field and Sicnarf Loopstock added a two-run double to push the ‘Ducks ahead 4-0. Flores managed to get through the eighth and returned for the top of the ninth. Andrew Calica led off the ninth with a singled and Tyler Krieger followed suit. That allowed Marabell to connect on an RBI single, forcing Flores from the game. Patrick Ruotolo finished the inning but gave up a three-run home run to Willie Castro to cap the scoring.

The Flying Squirrels continue their five -game Independence Day Weekend homestand on Thursday. RHP Conner Overton will make the start for Richmond against Akron RHP Dominic DeMasi (5-2, 6.33.). Thursday in Funnville included more fireworks along with a Grateful Squirrel Bobblehead Giveaway (1st 1,000, 15+) presented by River City Roll. Tickets can be purchased online over the phone by calling 804-359-3866 (FUNN).