Squirrels cap homestand with walk-off win

Jonah Arenado delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning, finishing the Flying Squirrels 4-3 win on Sunday at The Diamond against the Bowie Baysox. Richmond (38-35) split the four-game series against Bowie (33-41) and wrapped the seven-game homestand by going 4-3 on the week. Richmond now embarks on a nine-game road trip starting on Monday in Hartford. The Flying Squirrels will return to The Diamond on Wednesday, July 4 for an Independence Day celebration with three of Central Virginia’s best fireworks shows (July 4, 5 & 7). Tickets can be purchased here.

The Flying Squirrels pitching trio of Jake McCasland (6IP, 6H, 3R, 0BB, 5K), Dan Slania (2IP, H, 0R,0BB,3K) and Caleb Simpson (W, IP, 2BB, 2K) covered all nine innings in the Squirrels 5th walk-off win of the year. Aramis Garcia also lofted his fourth home run of the season and turned in his first three-hit day in the win.

Richmond opened a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. CJ Hinojosa led off the frame with a base hit into right field, extending his hitting-streak to ten games. Hinojosa worked his way around the bases on a steal, groundout and RBI single from Ryan Howard. Howard connected on the base hit in his first at bat off the disabled list.

McCasland encountered trouble in the second, relinquishing three runs on five hits to fall behind, 3-1. Aderlin Rodriguez began the inning with a double into right centerfield. Ryan McKenna added an one-out single and Adermar Rifaela tied the game with a base hit into center. Martin Cervenka and Erick Salcedo each added RBI hits for the 3-1 advantage. McCasland managed to dig in and pick up the last two outs, stranding a pair of runners.

Both starting pitchers – each being used in a spot start – turned in solid outings in the series finale. McCasland worked a season-high six innings and tossed 69 pitches in the no-decision. The righty allowed three runs – all in the second inning- on six hits. He struck out five and walked none. Grimes lasted five innings and also did not walk a batter in the outing. Grimes limited Richmond to one run on six hits but received a no-decision.

Richmond evened the game 3-3 once Bowie dipped into the bullpen. Tanner Chleborad replaced Grimes to start the sixth and yielded a one-out triple to Luigi Rodriguez followed by a two-run homer for catcher Aramis Garcia. It was the fourth home run of the season for Garcia.

Dan Slania worked the sixth and seventh innings with little trouble and Caleb Simpson tossed the ninth in earning the win. Simpson walked the first two batters of the ninth but picked up a pair of key strikeouts to end the Bowie threat and keep the game tied.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Richmond loaded the bases on former UVA closer Brandon Kline. Jerry Sands reached on an error to begin the frame and Garcia ripped a base hit, placing runners on second and first. After Dylan Davis walked, Arenado lofted a fly ball to deep left, ending the game a winner for the Squirrels.

The Flying Squirrels open a nine-game road trip on Monday in Hartford. Right-hander Shaun Anderson (5-4, 3.45) will make the start for the Squirrels against Yard Goats RHP Ryan Castellani (4-3, 4.99). The Flying Squirrels will return to The Diamond on Wednesday, July 4 for an Independence Day celebration. Tickets can be purchased online over the phone by calling 804-359-3866 (FUNN).