Squirrels offense in high gear in road win

The Flying Squirrels (27-43) collected a season-high 19 hits as they chewed up the Yard Goats (37-31) 11-3 on Tuesday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

The win snapped a four game losing streak and opened the three game series being played in Manchester, NH due to the Hartford, CT ballpark not being completed. Myles Schroder picked up four hits in the victory and Dan Slania earned the win by pitching into the seventh inning for the first time in his career. Slania (6-4) allowed just two runs (one earned) on three hits in the outing.

Hartford grabbed a 1-0 lead off Squirrels starting pitcher Dan Slania in the first inning. David Dahl doubled and moved ot third base on an un caught third strike. Dillon Thomas then beat out a double play ball to score Dahl from third base to take the early lead. Slania used 20 pitches in the first inning.

Richmond came roaring back with five runs in the third inning off of Hartford starting pitcher Sam Howard. Darren Ford opened the inning with a bunt base hit and moved to second on a throwing error. Howard then picked up a pair of outs and was nearly out of the inning but an error on third baseman scored a run and tied the game. The Squirrels took advantage of the miscues as hunter Cole and Tyler Horan both clocked two-run homers to give Richmond a 5-1 lead.

The Squirrels offensive assault continued into the fourth inning with three straight hit off of Howard. Christian Arroyo made it a 6-1 contest with an RBI base hit to left and Ryder Jones added a run with a sacrifice fly. Myles Schroder then forced Howard form the game with a base hit to take an 8-1 lead. Howard suffered the loss and allowed right runs (three earned) on 11 hits over 3 2/3 innings.

Konnor Wade replaced Howard and tossed 2 1/3 innings of relief. Pitching with the commanding lead, Slania was superb through the middle innings. He worked around a walk in the second and another in the third to keep Hartford off the board. Slania pitched into the seventh inning for the first time in his career and was relived after walking Ashley Graeter with one out in the inning. Slania finished with 6 1/3 innings pitched and allowed two runs (one earned)

Darren Ford and Hunter Cole each had three hits in the win. Myles Schroder reached base five times, including four hits, in the contest.

The Squirrels continue the six-game road trip Wednesday against the Hartford Yard Goats in New Hampshire at 5:05 PM.  LHP Matt Gage is schedule to make the start against Hartford RHP Zach Jemiola. Richmond returns to The Diamond on Monday, June 24^th with Bark in the Park.

The full promotional schedule can be found here. Season tickets, mini plans, and group packages are currently available by contacting the box office at 804-359-FUNN or online at www.squirrelsbaseball.com.