Three Richmond Flying Squirrels’ (53-50) hurlers combined on a four-hit shutout of the Bowie Baysox (51-50), as the Squirrels grabbed a 1-0 victory in the opener of a three-game series at Prince George’s Stadium on Monday night.
With the win, the Squirrels reclaim sole possession of the wild-card lead in the Western Divison. Richmond also posted their 11th shutout of the season, which leads the Eastern League.
Right-handed starters Justin Fitzgerald and Eddie Gamboa dueled through five scoreless innings, including a perfect first three innings for Fitzgerald. However, the Squirrels broke through for the first time in the top of the sixth inning. Gary Brown led off with an infield-single and was bunted to second base by Ehire Adrianza. Daniel Mayora then drilled an RBI double through the alley in right-center field. Brown scored easily on the play for a 1-0 lead.
Gamboa (4-2) departed to a tough-luck loss following the inning. He was extremely solid through his six innings, but left trailing in the ballgame. He allowed the lone run on four hits, walked two and struck out three.
Fitzgerald (6-7) was brilliant over seven scoreless innings. He locked down the Baysox on just three hits – all singles. He walked only one, struck out one and earned his sixth victory of the season.
The bullpen finished the gem for the Squirrels, as right-handers Chris Wilson and Brett Bochy each worked a scoreless inning in relief. Wilson handled the eighth, while Bochy turned in a perfect ninth for his 12th save of the season.
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Chris Graham
