It was a unique sight at The Diamond on Tuesday as three-time Major League All Star and World Series Champion Matt Cain took the mound for Richmond in a rehab outing. Cain, tossed 3.2 innings and allowed 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in the Squirrels 4-3 victory over Portland. Cain was limited to just 55 pitches in his first live ball action since last pitching for the Giants on July 9th, 2014. The Flying Squirrels (29-26) continued their dominance to open up a six game homestand and the win moved the Squirrels to a season-high three games above .500. Cain became just the second Giants player to rehab for the Flying Squirrels franchise; joining RHP Ryan Vogelsong who rehabbed in 2013.
The offense for the Squirrels squandered a couple of chances early. In the 1st inning, Engel Beltre reached on a fielder’s choice, following a Kelby Tomlinson leadoff single. Mac Williamson sent a bullet that buzzed passed Portland’s starting pitcher for the second hit of the inning. This put runners at the corners with one out, and then Devin Harris rolled over a groundball to the shortstop for a double play. Richmond also left the bases loaded in the 2nd inning.
The Sea Dogs caught a break in the 3rd inning. Carlos Asuaje launched an opposite field fly ball to left center and Daniel Carbonell misplayed the ball, which nipped off his glove. This allowed the first run of the game to score for Portland. Jantzen Witte knocked in a second run with two outs to make it 2-0 Sea Dogs.
It was just the 5th game as a Squirrel for Engel Beltre since being signed, and this time he sparked a rally that worked. The 25-year-old sent a hooking line drive into the right field corner for a leadoff double in the 3rd inning. Mac Williamson and Devin Harris drew walks to load the bases to continue the frame. The scoreboard broke for Richmond when Ricky Oropesa smacked a soft liner into right field and that scored Beltre and Williamson.
Devin Harris touched home after the next batter, Mitch Delfino, hit a high chopper towards first for a fielder’s choice. Squirrels took the lead 3-2 after 3 innings.
Kelvin Marte (5-0) was summoned from the bullpen to relieve Cain’s rehab start and ultimately earn the win. The southpaw was impressive going 4 innings and only allowing one earned run to preserve the lead.
Portland crept closer in the 8th inning when Jantzen Witte lifted a ball to the outfield to drive in Marco Hernandez. Richmond still led 4-3. Edwin Quirarte came on in the 8th inning with runners at first and second with two outs. The right handed side winder struck out Oscar Tejeda to keep the Squirrels in front.
Closer Josh Osich continued his busy month of June with a flawless 9th inning. The left-hander registered three groundouts. This is the 6th appearance for Osich in Richmond’s last 8 games and his 15th save on the year which goes for 2nd most in the Eastern League.
Richmond is back to work Wednesday and will start RHP Joe Biagini (4-3, 1.82). Portland counters with RHP Luis Diaz (0-4, 7.03). First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. at The Diamond. The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup will begin at 6 p.m. on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.
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