A day after allowing a franchise-record 19 runs, the Richmond Flying Squirrels (7-7) rode stellar pitching to a, 2-1, victory over the Reading Phillies (10-4) in the finale of a three-game series on Wednesday morning at The Diamond.
After two scoreless innings, the Squirrels struck first in the third inning against Reading right-hander David Buchanan. Squirrels’ starter Chris Heston aided his own cause as he singled with one out. It marked the right-hander’s first professional hit. A batter later, Ryan decked his first home run of the season over the wall in right field for a 2-0 lead.
Heston was in control on the hill through five innings, as the Squirrels maintained their 2-0 advantage. Reading finally broke through to cut the lead in half in the sixth. Tyson Gillies doubled to start the frame, marking the third consecutive inning in which an R-Phil had led off with a double. Cesar Hernandez grounded out to the right side to move Gillies to third and he scored from there when Darin Ruf grounded out to the shortstop, Ehire Adrianza.
Heston (1-1) conceded only the lone run, and earned his first Double-A win over six innings. He allowed just four hits, walked one and struck out four. Right-hander Brett Bochy came on in relief and turned in two scoreless innings. Right-hander Daryl Maday entered in the ninth inning and nailed down the win. Maday struck out the side in order to earn his fourth save of the season.
Buchanan (2-1) took a hard-luck loss for the R-Phils, also lasting six innings. Cavan’s home run was the only damage he endured, allowing six total hits, walking one and striking out four.
The Squirrels will travel to Altoona, PA, to open a four-game series with the Altoona Curve on Thursday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM as LHP Mike Kickham -0, 0.00) will make the start for the Squirrels against Altoona RHP Brandon Cumpton (0-2, 4.76). Pregame coverage on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com will begin at 6 PM.
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Chris Graham
