The Flying Squirrels (33-31) were blanked by the Harrisburg Senators (35-30) 3-0 in the series opening contest on Friday night at FNB Field. Richmond was shutout for the first time this season and could not take advantage of a quality outing from starting pitcher Jordan Johnson (6IP, 5H, R, BB, 7K). Game two of the weekend trip is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday. The Flying Squirrels will return to Funnville on Tuesday, June 19 with Scott’s Addition Night. 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.
Both starting pitchers were in control in the series opener on Friday. Harrisburg’s Luis Reyes denied the Squirrels over six innings to earn the win, while Johnson also lasted six frames in the defeat. Richmond fell to just 2-6 against their division foe Harrisburg with the loss.
The Squirrels had a few scoring opportunities early on, putting a pair of runners on base in the first and third innings. Luigi Rodriguez opened the game with a single into right field and with two outs he advanced to second on a walk to Dylan Davis. Reyes clamped down and popped up Dillon Dobson to end the threat. Rodriguez initiated the offense once again in the third, drilling a double into the gap in right centerfield. Jordan Johnson walked to begin the inning and Luigi’s double put runners on second and third with no one out. Reyes once again hunkered down and set the next three batters down in order, keeping the game without a run.
Harrisburg pitcher Luis Reyes broke the stalemate with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Reyes launched a 1-1 pitch over the bullpen in right field for a 1-0 Harris advantage. The homer for Reyes was his first professional hit of his career.
The home run to Reyes was the only blemish on an otherwise outstanding outing for Johnson. The righty worked six innings and allowed one run on five hits. He struck out seven and walked just one, using 91 pitches in the losing effort.
Reyes departed after six frames and 88 pitches in his 11th start of the season. The righty allowed just four hits and worked around four walks to lead the Senators. Austen Williams relieved Reyes in the seventh inning and retired all six batters he faced over two innings.
The Senators struck for a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure a 3-0 lead. Jack McCasland worked a 1-2-3 seventh but ran into trouble in the eighth. The Senators loaded the bases with two outs and Austin Davidson looped a two-run base hit into centerfield, scoring a two more runs.
Derek Self recorded his sixth save in an uneventful ninth to finish the win for the Senators.
The Flying Squirrels and Harrisburg Senators tangle in the middle game of the series on Saturday at FNB Field. LHP Conner Menez (0-0, 0.00) is set to make his Double-A debut against Harrisburg’s RHP Jaron Long (1-3, 5.71). First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. The Flying Squirrels will return to Funnville on Tuesday, June 19 with Scott’s Addition Night. 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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