Richmond Flying Squirrels top Akron, 2-1, take 2-1 lead in playoff series

Left-hander Ty Blach led a trio of Flying Squirrels’ hurlers to a three-hit shutout, as Richmond (2-1), claimed a thrilling, 1-0, win over the Akron RubberDucks (1-2) in front of 5,944 at The Diamond on Friday night.  With the win, the Squirrels took a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five series.

The Squirrels plated the only run of the ballgame off right-hander Cody Anderson in the third inning.  Tyler LaTorre opened the inning and lifted a double to left field.  Daniel Carbonell followed and failed in an attempt to bunt LaTorre to third  However, Carbonell reached as LaTorre was thrown out at third base.  He promptly swiped second base.  Kelby Tomlinson then laced a single to center field.  Carbonell raced in for a 1-0 lead.

It was the only chink in the armor of Anderson (0-1).  He completed six innings in short-order, limiting the Squirrels to the lone run on five hits.  He walked just one, struck out four and was saddled with the hard-luck loss.

However, Blach (1-0) was even better.  He worked seamlessly through the first six innings, allowing Akron just two hits.  He hit a snag in the seventh, walking the first two batters of the inning.   He got the first out, but the runners advanced on the play.  Blach then exited in favor of righty Edwin Quirarte.  Quirarte calmly grounded out Alex Lavisky and struck out Bryson Myles to end the threat.

Blach earned the win over 6 1/3 innings.  He permitted just two hits, walked two and struck out five.  Quirarte wasn’t credited with the win or the save, but took the Squirrels within an out of victory.  He retired the side in order in the eighth and got the first two outs of the ninth on a double-play.  Lefty Steven Okert then recorded the final out to earn his first postseason save.

Game 4 of the WDCS is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. on Saturday night at The Diamond.  Richmond RHP Chris Stratton (1-1, 3.52) will make the start against Akron LHP Shawn Morimando (2-6, 3.83).  The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup will begin at 5:35 p.m. on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com.