The Flying Squirrels could not overcome an early five-run deficit on Sunday, dropping the final game of the series in Harrisburg by a score off 6-5 at FNB Field. Richmond (34-32) pushed across a run in the ninth and had the tying runs on base before Roman Mendez was able to end the game and win the series for Harrisburg (36-31). The Flying Squirrels are off on Monday and return to Funnville on Tuesday, June 19 for Scott’s Addition Night at The Diamond. The first 1,000 fans (15+) will receive a free Scott’s Addition limited cap, presented by Morton. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN.
The Senators opened up a 6-1 lead with a four-run fourth inning and managed to stave off a late run from the Squirrels offense. Richmond plated an unearned run in the fifth inning and a pair of runs in the seventh for a 6-4 contest. Pinch-hitter Matt Likpa was at the center of both scoring attacks, bunting his way on base in the fifth and scoring on an RBI groundout. Lipka singled again in the seventh and advanced to second when Ali Castillo was hit by a pitch with no one out. The hit batter forced Harrisburg starter Kyle McGowin from the game and brought in reliver Bryan Harper. Harper recorded a pair of outs until Miguel Gomez lined an RBI single to center and a wild pitch scored Castillo for a 6-4 contest.
G (4-1) earned the win for the Senators. The righty tossed six innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits. He walked one and struck out nine in the winning effort.
The Squirrels pushed across a run in the ninth inning off closer Roman Mendez, but ended the game with the tying and go-ahead runners aboard. Gomez struck again with a base hit, scoring CJ Hinojosa, pulling Richmond to within a run, 6-5. Mendez cinched in and flew out Garcia to end the game. Gomez went 3-4 in the loss with a pair of RBIs
Luigi Rodriguez opened the game with a bang, sending the fourth pitch of the day from righty Kyle McGowin over the right field fence for a 1-0 lead. Rodriguez homered in the ninth inning on Saturday and followed that up with his sixth homer of the year Sunday. The Squirrels then worked three scratch singles to load the bases with two outs. McGowin was able to limit the damage by striking out Jonah Arenado on a breaking ball, stranding three runners.
Harrisburg grabbed a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the third and pulled ahead with four runs in the fourth inning. Kelvin Gutierrez led off the third inning with a base hit and Adam Brett Walker brought him home on a booming double to left centerfield to take the lead. The Senators managed to force Williams from the game in the fourth, placing a pair of runners on via the walk. Williams issued a free pass to Kyle McGowin and Richmond turned to the bullpen and Will LaMarche. LaMarche yielded a base hit to Hunter Jones and a walk to Gutierrez before Dan Gamache struck a two-run double. Gamache’s two-bagger made it a 5-1 contest. Taylor Gushue added a sacrifice fly to finish the four-run inning.
Williams (2-5) suffered the loss on Sunday. The lefty allowed four runs (three earned) on just two hits. He tossed 3.1 innings and walked five batters on 69 pitches. Lamarche lasted 1.2 innings and Dan Slania tossed a pair of scoreless frames. Carlos Diaz worked around a base hit and walk in the bottom of the eighth.
The Flying Squirrels are off on Monday and will open a seven-game, six-day homestand beginning on Tuesday against the Harrisburg Senators. Richmond will send RHP Shaun Anderson (5-3, 3.07) to the mound to face Altoona RHP Mitch Keller (7-2, 3.52). Tuesday, June 19 is Scott’s Addition Night at The Diamond. The first 1,000 fans (15+) will receive a free Scott’s Addition limited cap, presented by Morton. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN.
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