Richmond scores slim win over Akron, 4-3

Richmond center fielder Engle Beltre rapped a double to right in the seventh inning to push across the go-ahead run in a slim, 4-3 win over Akron (50-46) on Monday night at The Diamond.

The Squirrels (49-45) bullpen of Stephen Johnson, Phil McCormick and Tyler Mizenko navigated some late-inning murky waters but managed to hold strong to procure the final nine outs. With the win, the Squirrels improved to 4-0 against Western Division rival Akron. The two teams will play the middle game of the series Tuesday night at 7:05 PM.

Trailing 4-3 in the ninth inning, Akron threatened to tie the game against RHP Tyler Mizenko. Ryan Rohlinger doubled to lead off the frame but was subsequently picked off of second base. Pinch hitter Bryson Myles then squeezed a base hit past third and moved to second on a ground out. Jordan Smith followed with an infield single to put the go-ahead runners aboard but Yandy Diaz grounded out to end the game.

McCormick (3-1) earned the win with a scoreless inning of work. The lefty entered with the game tied, 3-3 and runners on base in the seventh. He managed to strikeout Jordan Smith on three pitches to end the threat. Mizenko picked up his third save by recording the final four outs. Squirrels starting pitcher Tyler Beede received a no decision. Beede worked six innings and allowed three runs on three hits with one walk and  two strikeouts.

The Squirrels grabbed a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning off starting pitcher Adam Plutko . With two outs, Myles Schroder reached on a bloop double to right field to chase Plutko. Enosil Tejeda entered to relieve Plutko and hit Jackson Williams with a pitch on the arm. Engle Beltre then delivered a sharp double to right field to plate the go ahead run. Plutko (4-4) took the loss with 6.2 innings of work. He allowed four runs on seven hits and four strike outs.

Squirrels RHP Tyler Beede was solid in his first outing since appearing in the MLB Futures Game. Beede retired the initial 12 batters of the game until he hit Anthony Gallas on the wrist to start the fourth. Carlos Moncrief then lined a base hit to right moving Gallas to third and the next batter Joe Sever reached on a fielder’s choice as he chopped a ball to the third baseman Mitch Delfino. Delfino threw home to easily get the runner Gallas breaking in from third. Ryan Rohlinger then broke through with a double to right center for a 1-0 lead. Akron’s Justin Toole then made it 2-0 with a double to right field. Akron made it 3-0 scoring Rohlinger on a wild pitch.

Jackson Williams ignited the Squirrels offense to tie the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning. Williamson doubled and scored on a base hit to left from Rando Moreno. Hunter Cole tripled to score Moreno and Mitch Delfino would tied the game with a sacrifice fly to right field.

The Squirrels connected on a pair of base hits off Plutko in the first inning but could not convert. Rando Moreno looped a base hit to center and Hunter Cole smashed a single to right. Plutko then dug in and stuck out Mitch Delfino and Ricky Oropesa to quell the threat. Plutko retired nine consecutive following the Cole single until Delfino doubled with one out in the fourth inning. Oropesa then smashed a liner to the first baseman resulting in a double play.

The Squirrels continue the homestand on Tuesday with the middle game of a three game series against the Akron RubberDucks. Richmond RHP Joan Gregorio (1-3, 3.99) will make a spot start for the Squirrels against Akron LHP Shawn Morimando (6-9, 3.34). First pitch is set for 7:05PM with the Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup starting at 6:35PM on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.