Richmond blows ninth-inning lead in loss to Senators

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (62-64) failed to close out a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning Monday as the Harrisburg Senators plated three runs and stole the series opener 4-3 at The Diamond. Derek Law blew his first save of the season as the Senators rallied in the final frame. Squirrels starting pitcher Joe Biagini received a no-decision despite hurling seven innings and allowing just one run. Richmond and Harrisburg play the middle game of the series on Tuesday with LHP Kelvin Marte on the mound. There are six home games remaining in the 2015 season.

The Senators forged ahead in the ninth against Law to take a 4-3 lead. With one out, Brian Jeroloman reached on a base hit and Isaac Ballou and Adrian Sanchez walked to load the bases. Tyler Mizenko then entered for Law and allowed an infield based hit to Wilmer Difo to pull the Senators to within a run, 3-2. Brian Goodwin then lashed a double to right centerfield giving Harrisburg a 4-3 lead. Paul Demny closed out the win for the Senators with a scoreless ninth to earn the save.

Trailing 1-0 entering the seventh inning, Mitch Delfino incited the Richmond offense with a leadoff walk against reliever Erik Davis. Juan Ciriaco then delivered his second double of the game, a line drive down the left field line, scoring Delfino from first base to tie the game 1-1. Catcher Eliezer Zambrano moved Ciriaco to third with a flare base hit into right center field and Ricky Oropesa gave Richmond a 2-1 lead with a double to right field. Zambrano scored on a wild pitch for a 3-1 advantage.

Joe Biagini lasted seven innings in the no decision. He allowed one run on four hits with four strikeouts. It was his third start of the season against the Senators and the first in which he allowed a run. Braulio Lara also tossed a scoreless eighth inning to earn the hold.

The Squirrels fell behind early for the fourth consecutive game, yielding a run in the top of the second inning. Shawn Pleffner led off with a base hit and Joe Biagini loaded the bases with a pair of walks. Isaac Ballou brought home the run with a grounder to shortstop for a 1-0 Harrisburg lead. John Simms was solid for Harrisburg in the start and hurled six shutout innings in a no decision. Simms struck out a season-high nine batters and did not allow a run on five hits. He was relieved by Davis to start the seventh.

The Squirrels continue a three games series against the Senators on Tuesday at The Diamond.LHP Kelvin Marte (9-5, 2.48) will make the start against Harrisburg  RHP Lucas Giolito (2-1,3.77) First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 with the Pregame Warmup beginning at6:35 PM on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com. The Remaining promotional schedule is as follows:  (8/25) Fredericksburg Community Night. (8/26) Fleece Blanket Giveaway & In Your-Face Fireworks. (9/4) Free Shirt Fridays, Happy Hour & Ladies Night. (9/5) Superblast Saturday and 20th Anniversary of Billy Madison. (9/6) Kids Club Metal Lunchbox Giveaway. (9/7) Bark In the Park #3 – Labor Day.