Joseph’s 2 HRs push Richmond past Baysox

Tommy Joseph clubbed two home runs, powering the Richmond Flying Squirrels (12-12) to a, 4-2, victory over the Bowie Baysox (9-15) in the opener of a four-game series at The Diamond on Monday night.

The Squirrels got right after Bowie left-hander Cole McCurry in the first inning.  McCurry did himself no favors by issuing a walk to Richmond lead-off batter Gary Brown.  A batter later, Joseph launched his second home run of the season to left field for a 2-0 lead.

Richmond tacked on another run against McCurry in the second inning.  Their brief uprising began with two outs.  Nick Liles laced a double into right field.  Brown followed and took the same path, lashing a single into right to bring in Liles for a 3-0 advantage.

Richmond right-hander Chris Heston was dealing through the first three innings.  He registered five strikeouts as he set aside the first nine batters.  However, Bowie was able to break through in the fourth to get on the board.  Antoan Richardson flared a single into left field to start the inning.  A batter later, LJ Hoes cracked a double through the alley in left-center field.  Richardson raced around from first base to cut the Richmond lead to 3-1.

After doubling in his second at-bat against McCurry, Joseph took the lefty deep for a second time in the fifth.  Joseph’s second of the night departed the ballpark to a similar spot as his first in left field.  Joseph’s third of the season put Richmond ahead, 4-1.

McCurry (0-4) departed to the loss later in the fifth inning.  He suffered his fourth setback of the season over 4 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs – all earned – on five hits.  He walked four and struck out two.

Heston (2-2) earned the win over 5 2/3 innings, allowing only a lone run on three hits.  He walked just one – his final batter – and struck out eight.

The Baysox got a final run in the top of the eighth inning to close to within two runs.  However, right-hander Daryl Maday secured the victory and earned his fifth save of the season, recording the final four outs.

The win was the fourth in five games for the Squirrels.  Joseph’s two-homer game marked the fifth time he had belted two home runs in a game as a professional.

The Squirrels continue their four-game series with the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore Orioles) at The Diamond on Tuesday night at 6:35 PM. Richmond LHP Mike Kickham (1-1, 2.55) will oppose Bowie RHP Zach Clark (0-3, 5.30). Tickets are available and can be purchased at SquirrelsBaseball.com.