The Richmond Flying Squirrels (62-63) pushed across three runs in the fourth inning on Sunday to win 3-2 and avoid the series sweep against the Thunder (65-61) at ARM & HAMMER Park. Joan Gregorio picked up the win with six innings pitched and Derek Law earned his 8th save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. Richmond returns home on Mondayto begin a three game series against the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals) at The Diamond. RHP Joe Biagini will make the start for the Squirrels in the series opener.
Richmond took their first lead of the series with a three-run fourth inning. Rando Moreno and Austin Slater reached on consecutive hits against Thunder starting pitcher Jeron Long. With two outs and Devin Harris at the plate, Moreno scored on a strikeout and wild pitch that also allowed Harris to reach base. Juan Ciriaco singled to score Slater and tie the game. Thunder left fielder Jake Cave misplayed the ball to allow Harris to score also for a 3-2 Richmond lead
Joan Gregorio (2-2) earned the win with six innings of work. Gregorio allowed eight hitsw and two runs (one earned) with one strikeout on 87 pitches in his 7th start of the season. Phil McCormick relieved Gregorio to start the seventh inning and retired the first two batters before walking Jake Cave. Tyler Mizenko then entered and picked up the final out of the seventh and hurled a scoreless eighth. Derek Law locked down the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
The Thunder once again grabbed an early lead in the first inning. Tony Renda doubled and scored on a base hit to centerfield from Tyler Austin. Austin took second base on the play as centerfield Jesus Galindo overran the baseball. Austin promptly scored on a single of f the bat Rob Segedin
Jeron Long (3-5) was saddled with the loss despite hurling eight innings for the Thunder. Long allowed three runs, all in the fourth inning, and struck out eight in the defeat. Mark Montgomery pitched the ninth inning for Trenton without incident.
The Squirrels return home on Monday to begin a three games series against the Senators on Monday. RHP Joe Biagini (9-6, 2.59) will make the start against Harrisburg RHP John Simms (2-2,3.73) First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 with the Pregame Warmup beginning at 6:35 PM on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.