The Richmond Flying Squirrels (1-2) erupted offensively as they pasted the New Britain Rock Cats (2-1), 13-3, for their first win of the 2014 season. The Squirrels pounded out 14 hits including three apiece for Tyler Graham and Jarrett Parker. Parker now has multiple hits in all three games this season.
For the third consecutive ballgame, the Squirrels struck first in the first inning. Their run was unearned and came courtesy of a throwing error charged to New Britain shortstop Aderling Mejia. Mejia threw in the dirt on a routine ground ball from Mario Lisson. As it kicked past first baseman Kennys Vargas, Graham – who had singled – scampered in for a 1-0 Richmond lead.
Skyler Stromsmoe ignited a four-run uprising for the Squirrels when he led off the third inning with swinging-bunt single. Graham followed with his second hit of the day, a double, to put runners at second and third with nobody out. Rock Cats starter Taylor Rogers then uncorked a wild pitch to bring in Stromsmoe. Matt Duffy singled on the infield, with Graham staying at third to put runners on the corners. Parker followed and blasted the first pitch from Rogers over the right field wall. The low-flying three-run home run gave Richmond a 5-0 lead.
The Squirrels were at it again in the fourth inning, adding three more runs to their lead. Brett Krill opened the inning with a single and an out later, Stromsmoe was hit by a pitch. Duffy then delivered a two-run double to left-center field. A final run scored in the inning when third baseman Brandon Waring misplayed a ground ball from Parker.
Left-hander Adelberto Mejia was impressive in the early portion of his Double-A debut, facing the minimum through the first three innings. Trailing 8-0, the Rock Cats tallied their first run in the fourth inning. Nate Hanson doubled home Corey Wimberly, who
Richmond got back on the board and finally chased Rogers in the fifth inning. Angel Villalona led off and cranked his first home run of the season to left-center field. The solo-shot was the end of the day for Rogers (0-1). He took the loss after surrendering nine runs – seven earned – over four innings plus a batter.
The Squirrels weren’t done in the frame as they collected two more runs off Rogers’ replacement B.J. Hermsen. Graham knocked in both runs with a single, his third hit of the day.
Mejia returned to open the sixth inning and allowed the first three batters to reach base. He retired for the day with the bases loaded and nobody out. Right-hander Derek Law relieved him and allowed two of the inherited runners to score before stifling the threat. Mejia (1-0) earned his first Double-A win over five innings plus three batters. He was charged with three earned runs on five hits, walked one and struck out three.
Richmond capped the scoring in the ninth inning with a run off lefty Jim Fuller. Myles Schroder opened the inning with a triple and came in to score on a ground out from Krill.
Following Law out of the Squirrels’ bullpen were Josh Osich, Cody Hall and Phil McCormick. Each worked a scoreless inning to finish the victory.
The finale of the four-game series is scheduled for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. from New Britain Stadium. Richmond RHP Kyle Crick (0-0, —) will make his Double-A debut against New Britain RHP Matt Summers (0-0, —). Pregame coverage will begin at 1:00 p.m. on SportsRadio910.com.
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Chris Graham
