The Harrisburg Senators used a six-run fifth inning to zip past the Richmond Flying Squirrels, 7-6, at Metro Bank Park on Thursdaynight. The win foiled Richmond’s bid for a series-sweep. The Squirrels did claim the series despite their loss, and have won 11 of their past 13 series.
Left-hander Matthew Spann jump-started the Squirrels offense when he walked the first two batters of the ballgame, Kelby Tomlinson and Devin Harris. Following a passed ball that advanced the runners, Mac Williamson delivered an RBI single to center field that plated Tomlinson for a 1-0 lead. Mitch Delfino then grounded into a double-play, but Harris scored for a two-run advantage.
Richmond doubled their lead in the second. Jackson Williams started the uprising with a one-out single. Daniel Carbonell followed and rifled an RBI triple to the left-field corner. Tyler Beede, making his first professional plate appearance, followed and crunched an RBI double to left field.
Spann lasted just three innings. He was charged with four earned runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out three. He did not factor in the decision.
The game turned dramatically in the fifth, as the Senators stormed in front with six runs. Beede began the inning on the hill and issued a one-out walk to Cutter Dyktra. Jose Lozada followed with a hit-and-run single to put runners at the corners. Wilmer Difo then notched an RBI single before Trea Turner made it a one-run game with a sacrifice-fly. Beede then walked Brian Goodwin and was lifted from the ballgame. Lefty Phil McCormick came on and immediately allowed an RBI single to Matt Skole that tied the game, 4-4. Drew Vettleson followed with an RBI single to put Harrisburg in front, 5-4. An additional run scored on the play when Mac Williamson threw errantly to third base. Myles Schroder was then charged with an error that allowed the final run of the inning to score. The Senators exited the inning with a 7-4 lead. The six runs allowed matched a season-high for the third time for the Squirrels.
Beede (1-1) absorbed his first loss of the year, charged with five runs, four earned, over 4 2/3 innings. He allowed just three hits, walked three and struck out three.
Lefty Bryan Harper (1-1) earned the win in relief for Harrisburg. He tossed two scoreless innings for his first victory of the season. Right-hander Paul Demny followed him with two scoreless innings and righty Gilberto Mendez handled a scoreless eighth. The Squrirels did get two unearned runs off of right-hander Sam Runion in the ninth, but he ultimately closed the door for his third save.
The Squirrels return to Richmond to open a nine-game, eight-day homestand, which begins with a five-game, four-day series against the New Britain Rock Cats (Colorado Rockies) on Friday night. The opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at The Diamond as Richmond LHP Kelvin Marte (5-0, 3.02) will make the start against New Britain RHP Matt Flemer (1-3, 4.00) The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup will begin at 6:35 p.m. on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.
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Chris Graham
