Richmond Flying Squirrels blanked by Trenton

The Richmond Flying Squirrels (4-6) lost their fifth consecutive ballgame on Saturday night at ARM & HAMMER Park, falling to the Trenton Thunder (6-3), 3-0.  Four Thunder pitchers combined to blank the Squirrels, who remain winless on their first road trip of the season.  With the win, Trenton takes the four-game series by virtue of claiming the first three games.

Richmond left-hander Ryan Bradley quickly recorded the first two outs in the bottom of the first inning and looked to be on his way to a routine frame.  However, Tyler Austin recorded a two-out single and Kyle Roller followed with a high-arching two-run home run to right-center field.  The blast gave the Thunder the early 2-0 lead.  The Thunder then collected three more hits to make it five consecutive hits with two outs in the inning.  Bradley responded by striking out Kevin Mahoney to end the threat and minimize the damage.

Walter Ibarra got the Thunder started anew in the second inning when he reached on an inadvertent bunt-single.  Bradley walked Jose Pirela and faced runners at the corners with one out.  He induced a pop out for the second out without the runners advancing.  But with two outs, Ibarra broke for the plate as Bradley made a throw to first base.  He successfully stole home for a 3-0 Trenton lead.

Meanwhile, Trenton left-hander Matt Tracy (1-0) had the Squirrels off balance through five innings.  He worked around four walks to shut out the Squirrels, departing with the 3-0 lead.  He conceded just three hits, while striking out four and earned his first victory of the season.

Bradley (0-1) settled in after the second, but couldn’t avoid the loss, which he was saddled with over five innings.  He conceded three earned runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out three.

The Thunder bullpen completed the shutout, as three hurlers combined for four scoreless innings.  Right-hander Danny Burawa handled the fifth and sixth innings, striking out five Squirrels.  Aaron Dott took the eighth and struck out two more, while Tommy Kahnle closed it out to earn the save in the ninth.

Two Richmond relievers were also stout in relief in the losing effort.  Right-hander Edwin Quirarte worked two scoreless frames, while lefty Phil McCormick handled one.

The finale of the four-game series is scheduled for 1:05 PM at ARM & HAMMER Park on Sunday afternoon.  Richmond RHP Craig Westcott (0-0, 1.00) will make the start against Trenton RHP Caleb Cotham (1-0, 1.80).  Pregame coverage begins on SportsRadio 910, SportsRadio910.com and IHeart Radio at 12:35 p.m.