Flying Squirrels shortstop John Polonius was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, sending the Squirrels to a 2-1 win over Reading (48-56) on Friday night at The Diamond. Richmond (49-54) relinquished a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth inning but responded with the game-winning plunk to secure their third straight victory. The Squirrels will attempt to keep it rolling with the third game off the series on Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Saturday in Funnville is Military Appreciation Night with In-your-Face Fireworks following the game presented by Movement Mortgage.
The Squirrels were out-hit 9-4 in the loss. Polonius drove in both runs in the win while starting pitcher Conner Menez struck out a Double-A best 10 batters in a no-decision. Patrick Ruotolo (1-1) earned the win by recording the final two outs in the top of the ninth.
Tied 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Caleb Gindl worked a walk to open the inning against reliever Seth McGarry. Aramis Garcia then followed with a single. Jonah Arenado failed execute a sacrifice bunt before Matt Lipka worked a walk, loading the bases. McGarry’s second pitch of the at bat to Polonius plunked him on the left arm, ending the game in favor of Richmond.
The Squirrels lead 1-0 from the second inning all the way to the top of the ninth inning. Dillon McNamara, who tossed a scoreless eighth inning, was asked to close out the win in the ninth. The Phils struck for three straight base hits leading to an RBI single off the bat of Deivi Gruillon. Gruillon’s base hit tied the game and could have given Reading the lead. Matt Lipka released a strong throw on the play to nail the trial runner at home for the first out of the inning. Ruotolo then entered to close out the frame tied 1-1.
Conner Menez was strong from the start as he moved through the Reading lineup, beginning with a six-pitch, 1-2-3 first inning. Menez struck out the side in the third and the first two batters in the fourth inning. The lefty also k’d the side in the sixth after starting the frame by allowing a pair of singles. Menez used 80 pitches over the first five innings.
Former UVA standout Adam Hasley slowed Menez down by doubling to start the sixth inning. Menez retired the next two batters and was relieved by Dan Slania with a runner on base. Slania ended the inning with a groundout to close the line for Menez (5.1 IP, 4H, 0R, BB, 10K, 88P). Slania also worked a scoreless seventh inning for Richmond.
The Flying Squirrels struck for the game’s first run off Rivero in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, Matt Lipka lined a single into centerfield for the first Richmond hit. Shortstop John Polonius then walloped a double over the head of the defender in right field, plating Lipka from first base for a 1-0 lead.
Reading’s RHP Alexis Rivero was pushed into the start for the Fightin Phils due to a trade of the scheduled starter Franklyn Kilome. About an hour before the game began the Philadelphia Phillies announced a trade, shipping Kilome to the New York Mets for shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Rivero worked three strong innings in the pinch start. Outfileder-turned reliver Aaron Brown also tossed three innings and Edgar Garcia lasted two scoreless.
The Flying Squirrels continue the four-game series against Reading on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. Left-hander Daniel Camarena (0-0, 2.57) is slated to make the start for Richmond against Reading RHP Felipe Paulino (1-0, 3.60). Saturday in Funnville is Military Appreciation Night with In-your-Face Fireworks following the game presented by Movement Mortgage. The team will be wearing specialty uniforms with name plates of fallen soldiers associated with the Wounded Warrior Project and the TAPS. Tickets and information can be found at www.squirrelsbaseball.com or by calling 804-359-FUNN (3884)
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Chris Graham
