The Flying Squirrels (35-53) committed three costly errors and allowed five unearned runs to Trenton (55-34) in a 5-0 defeat on Saturday at The Diamond.
Thunder starter Chance Adams one-upped Richmond’s Dan Slania with six hitless innings to take the win and even the series at one game apiece. Christian Arroyo lined a double to right field off reliever Tyler Jones to end the no-hit bid in the seventh. The loss ended Richmond’s three-game winning streak.
For the second consecutive night, premium pitching was on display at The Diamond. Trenton’s Chance Adams was borderline perfect through six innings to earn the win. The Dallas Baptist product did not allow a hit over six innings of work. He walked just one – C.J Hinojosa – in the first inning, and retired the last 16 batters he faced. Adams was relieved after 80 pitches with a no-hitter intact.
Dan Slania toed the rubber for Richmond and was also solid in defeat. Slania retired the first two batters of the game with ease, but walked Kyle Higashioka after missing on a close 2-2 pitch. The next batter, Miguel Andjuar, drilled a ball to deep right field that appeared to be good for extra bases. Squirrels right fielder Hunter Cole ran back on the play and leapt into the air to make the catch while slamming into the wall. Slania built on the momentum by striking out the side in the second inning. Slania kept Trenton off the scoreboard through the first three innings of the contest.
The Thunder took advantage of a defensive miscue to score the contest’s first three runs. Slania walked Kyle Higashioka, and Cito Culver delivered a one out base hit to put runners on first and second. Slania then induced a potential double play ball to short, but C.J. Hinojosa could not make the play. Hinojosa tossed the ball into the dugout, allowing Higashioka to score. Dan Fiorito connected on a two-out, two-run single to center for a 3-0 Trenton lead.
Trenton added another pair of unearned runs in the seventh, leading to Slania’s departure from the game. Dan Fiorito walked with one out, and advanced to second on a ground ball error to third. That ended the outing for Slania as he was removed for Christian Jones. Jones walked the first batter to load the bases for Dustin Fowler. Jones induced a groundball to second base for a force-out, but a throwing error allowed two runs to score on the play for a 5-0 Trenton lead. Slania (7-6) tossed 6 1/3 innings and allowed five runs (unearned) on three hits. He threw 101 pitches in the loss.
To the surprise of many, Chance Adams was removed from the game to start the bottom of the seventh inning. Adams used 80 pitches over six innings and did not allow a hit in the win. Tyler Jones replaced Adams and promptly relinquished a single to Christian Arroyo. Jones kept Richmond guessing and took the game into the ninth inning. Richmond managed to load the bases in the ninth, but Trenton turned to closer Jonathan Holder with the bases loaded to end the game. Holder earned his ninth save of the season by securing the last two outs.
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Chris Graham
