The Hartford Yard Goats (37-37) shutdown the Flying Squirrels (38-36) for just the second time this season, blanking Richmond 5-0 on Monday in the series opener at Dunkin Donuts Park. The Squirrels had a multitude of opportunities to score but left 13 runners on base in the defeat. Hartford’s Evan Grills earned the win by tossing six shutout innings in his fourth start since returning from Tommy John Surgery.. The Flying Squirrels continue the current nine-game road trip on Tuesday in Hartford. The team will return to The Diamond on Wednesday, July 4 for an Independence Day celebration with three of Central Virginia’s best fireworks shows (July 4, 5 & 7). Tickets can be purchased here.
Richmond was out-hit, 9-8, and received multi hit efforts from CJ Hinojosa (2-4, BB, 2B) and Dylan Davis(2-3, BB,). Hinojosa extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a triple in the fifth inning. The streak technically counts as 12 consecutive games for Hinojosa, going back to last season.
The Yard Goats forced Flying Squirrels starter Shaun Anderson deep into his pitch count over the first two frames. Anderson walked the first batter he faced in the first inning but picked up a fly ball double play for the first two outs of the frame. Mylz Jones continued the first inning with a base hit before Sam Hilliard popped up to end the inning. Anderson used 19 pitches in the inning. Hartford then plated the first run of the game in the second, utilizing a one-out walk to Dom Nunez. Nunez advanced to third on a base hit to right field and scored when Ryan Metzler lofted a sacrifice fly into right field for a 1-0 advantage. Anderson used 45 pitches over the first two innings.
Hartford took advantage of a Squirrels error to take a 2-0 lead int eh third. Jones again singled and then took third base on a bunt base hit from Hilliard. Brian Mundell then chopped a ball to shortstop for a potential inning ending double play. Shortstop Ryan Howard had to field on a high bounce and tossed to second base for the force while Miguel Gomez’ turn throw to first base went wide, scoring Jones.
The Squirrels were stymied by Hartford lefty Evan Grills, stranding at least one runner on base in the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Grills danced around six hits and three walks in season-high six innings worked.
Anderson lasted into the sixth inning and departed the game with two outs and a pair of runners on base. Hilliard and Mundell opened the sixth with base hits and Dom Nunez delivered a sacrifice fly to put the Goats on top, 3-0. Anderson then walked Omar Carrizales and bounced Metzler into a fielder’s choice. Carlos Diaz then entered in from the ‘pen and walked the first two batters he faced, forcing in the fourth Hartford run.
Anderson (5-5) suffered the defeat in 5.2 innings pitched. He walked two and allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits. Anderson tossed 80 pitches in the effort.
Diaz worked 1.2 innings and Dylan Rheault tossed the eighth inning. Rheault allowed an unearned run via a passed ball while also striking out three in the inning.
The Flying Squirrels continue their nine-game road trip – the longest off the year- in Hartford on Tuesday. Right-hander Jordan Johnson (6-6, 3.63) will make the start for the Squirrels against Yard Goats RHP Ryan Castellani (4-3, 4.99). The Flying Squirrels will return to The Diamond on Wednesday, July 4 for an Independence Day celebration. Tickets can be purchased online over the phone by calling 804-359-3866 (FUNN).
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