The Richmond Flying Squirrels (61-63) relinquished seven runs over the first three innings in an 8-2 loss to the Thunder on Saturday night at ARM & HAMMER Park. Trenton right fielder Mark Payton collected three of Trenton’s 12 hits to help win the middle game of the series. Richmond right-hander Tyler Beede pitched into the seventh inning but allowed seven runs in the loss. The Squirrels will turn to Joan Gregorio on Sunday evening to avoid the series sweep.
The Thunder opened up a 4-0 lead with a four-run second inning against starting pitcher Tyler Beede. Mark Payton singled and scored on a double down the left field line from Tony Renda. Left fielder Danny Oh then plated Renda on a chopped base hit over the drawn-in infield. Catcher Francisco Arcia followed with a two-run blast over the right field wall.
Renda added another run-producing hit to left field with two runners aboard for a 5-0 lead in the third. Dante Bichette Jr. followed and opened up the game with a two-run triple to right centerfield for a 7-0 advantage. Beede managed to settle down and stuck out the side in the fifth inning. Beede (2-8) pitched into the seventh inning and allowed eight runs on 11 hits in the loss. Jose Casilla entered with a runner on base in the seventh and allowed the inherited base runner to score. He recorded five outs in the effort.
Thunder starting pitcher Cale Coshow (1-1) earned the win with five and a third scoreless innings in his third career Double-A start. The hefty right-hander allowed just four hits and two walks on 99 pitches. Mitch Delfino blooped a single to right field to force Coshow from the game in the sixth inning. Lefty Evan Rutckyj relieved Coshow and stranded Delfino in the sixth to keep the Squirrels off the board.
Richmond eventually broke through with a pair of runs in the seventh inning against Rutckyj to break a 16 consecutive scoreless innings streak. Myles Schroder walked and Jesus Galindo singled to create the scoreing opportunity. With two outs, Rando Moreno walked to load the bases and Hunter Cole delivered an infield base hit to plate Schroder. Austin Slater then brought home Galindo with a sacrifice fly to right to cut the deficit to 7-2. The Thunder added another run in the seventh against Casilla for an 8-2 lead. Trenton loaded the bases and scored their eighth run on a Bichette sacrifice fly.
The Squirrels conclude the three games series in Trenton against the Thunder on Sunday evening. RHP Joan Gregorio (1-2, 3.36) will make the start against Thunder RHP Jaron Long (3-4, 3.43) First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 with the Pregame Warmup beginning at 4:40 PM on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com.
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Chris Graham
