In stark contrast to a day earlier when they conceded 15 runs, the Richmond Flying Squirrels (5-7) blanked the Altoona Curve (4-7), 2-0, on Monday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. The win in the series opener snapped a six-game losing skid for the Squirrels and also marked their first road win of the season.
Richmond left-hander Jack Snodgrass (2-0) started and gave the Squirrels just what they needed in his second start in the Eastern League. The southpaw was sensational over seven innings to earn his second win. He stymied the Curve on just two hits, walked one and struck out three. He faced just two batters over the minimum and worked the longest outing of the season for a Richmond starter.
The Squirrels jumped on top with a pair of runs against Altoona righty David Bromberg in the third inning. Skyler Stromsmoe led off with an infield-single. He was sacrificed to second before Bromberg issued a walk to Ehire Adrianza. Joe Panik bounced out, but advanced the runners, and Javier Herrera made it 2-0 with a double to center field.
Outside of the hiccup in the third, Bromberg (0-1) faced little other adversity. He retired for the night after five innings, doomed to the loss. He surrendered two runs on four hits, walked two and struck out four.
Left-hander Tom Vessella finished the ballgame and completed the shutout – the second the Squirrels have turned in this season. For his efforts, Vessella earned his second save of the season.
The Squirrels continue their three-game series with the Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates) on Tuesday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. as Richmond RHP Taylor Rogers (0-0, 6.75) makes the start against Altoona RHP Casey Sadler (2-0, 3.75). Pregame coverage begins on SportsRadio 910, SportsRadio910.com and IHeart Radio at 6:30 p.m.
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Chris Graham
