The Richmond Flying Squirrels (40-41) cruised behind left-hander Chris Gloor to an efficient, 2-0, win over the Erie SeaWolves (41-39) at Jerry Uht Park on Sunday afternoon. The ninth shutout of the year for the Squirrels allowed them to split the four-game series.
Gloor (6-3) was masterful through seven shutout innings. He allowed just six hits, walked one and struck out four. It marked the 10th consecutive start that he had lasted at least six innings as he won for the sixth time on the year. He exited the start with a season-low ERA of 3.19.
Erie right-hander Victor Larez set aside the first five batters of the ballgame. However, Andrew Susac blasted an 0-2 fastball for a solo-home run to left field with two outs in the second inning. Susac tied for the team lead with his 11th home run of the year, giving the Squirrels the lead, 1-0.
Larez settled in nicely following Susac’s home run. He retired 10 consecutive batters including clean innings in the third, fourth and fifth. However, the Squirrels finally got to him again in the seventh. Joe Panik led off and extended his hit-streak to nine games with a double to left-center. An out later, Mark Minicozzi singled to right-center for a 2-0 lead. Larez struck out Ricky Oropesa, but then called it a day.
Larez (6-5) took the hard-luck loss over 6 2/3 innings. He was charged with two earned runs on five hits. He walked none and struck out seven.
Right-hander Cody Hall – making his Double-A debut – was impressive in his first outing as a Squirrel. He mowed down all six batters he faced, striking out three, to earn his first save in the Eastern League. He fanned the final two batters of the ballgame to preserve the shutout.
The Squirrels continue their road trip as they travel to Reading, PA, to open a three-game series with the Reading Fightin Phils (Philadelphia Phillies) at FirstEnergy Stadium on Monday night. First pitch of the opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.as Richmond RHP Craig Westcott (3-8, 4.05) makes the start against Reading RHP David Buchanan (4-8, 4.70). The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup will begin on Sports Radio 910, SportsRadio910.com and IHeart Radio at 6:35 p.m.
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Chris Graham
