Slania deals Squirrels extra-inning win

The Flying Squirrels (40-60) pushed across the winning run in the tenth inning, defeating Akron (54-49), 2-1, in extra innings on Monday night at Canal Park. Christian Arroyo collected the game-winning hit in the tenth to platepinch-runner Darren Ford. Starting pitcher Dan Slania was magnificent and twirled a career-high eight innings in a no-decision. Slania allowed just one run on four hits and lowered his ERA to a league-leading 2.50.

Stellar starting pitching was on display Monday at Canal Park. Michael Peoples and Dan Slania traded zeroes through the first four innings of the contest. Peoplesretired the first 12 batters he faced. Carlos Moncrief finally connected on the game’s first hit, a single to open up the fifth inning. Hunter Cole followed with a base hit as well, but Peoples navigated around the pair, stranding two.

Slania countered as he set down the first 11 batters of the game. The Notre Dame product did not allow a base runner until he walked Jeremy Lucas on four pitches in the fourth. Lucas was stranded at first base, as the next hitter, Nellie Rodriguez flew out to left field. Slania used 41 pitches through the first four innings.

Akron eventually stuck first in the bottom of the fifth on a pair of two-out hits. Daniel Salters lined a double in the air past first. The ball tipped off the glove of the leaping Ryder Jones at first, landing for a double down the right field line. Second baseman Claudio Bautista followed with a single to right, scoring Salters for a 1-0 Akron lead.

Richmond retaliated in the top of the sixth of off Peoples to tie the game. Christian Arroyo singled with two outs and advanced to second on a base hit. Former Akron outfielder Carlos Moncrief then delivered a single down the left field line, scoring Arroyo to tie the game, 1-1.

Slania and Peoples continued to deal into the later innings. Peoples lasted seven innings and was removed for MLB rehabber Zach McAllister to start the eighth. Peoples allowed the one run on seven hits over seven innings of work. The righty struck out five and walked none, but earned a no-decision. McAllister worked around a two-out single, turning in a scoreless eighth inning.

Slania was a bit better then Peoples, pitching into the eighth inning. Slania finished with a career-high eight innings and needed just 82 pitches to complete the feat. Slania allowed the one run on four hits. He struck out five and walked just one in a tough no-decision.

With the game tied, 1-1, Tyler Mizenko relieved Slania to start the bottom of the ninth, Mizenko evaded a one out walk and forced the game into extra innings. Akron brought in the closer J.P. Feyereisen to start the tenth and Steve Lerud opened the inning with a walk. Darren Ford pinch ran for Lerud and motored to third base on a hit-and-run single form Steven Duggar. Christian Arroyo then snapped the tie with a base hit to right field. Squirrels would load the bases in the ninth, however, Feyereisen was able to escape without further damage.

Tyler Mizenko earned the win in relief for Richmond. Mizenko (2-4) pitched a scoreless ninth and Chase Johsnon earned his first professional save by shutting the door in the tenth.