The Richmond Flying Squirrels (20-20) defeated the Harrisburg Senators (22-17), 1-0, in 14 innings at The Diamond on Thursday night.
In a game in which neither team pushed a base runner past second base over the first 13 innings, the Squirrels plated the game-winner without the benefit of a hit in the bottom of the 14th inning. The ballgame marked the longest game of the season for both clubs.
Senators’ right-hander Marcos Frias began the 14th inning with a walk to Daniel Mayora. Mayora moved to second base on a wild-pitch, and after falling behind 3-0, Frias intentionally walked Ryan Cavan. He then walked Ehire Adrianza to load the bases with one out. Joel Weeks came to the plate and took the first two pitches out of the strike zone. Following the second pitch, Harrisburg catcher Devin Ivany was ejected for arguing balls and strikes. After his ejection, Weeks stepped back in and took two more out of the zone. The four-pitch walk brought in Mayora with the only run of the night, handing the Squirrels the victory.
In a duel between hurlers with the lowest two ERAs in the Eastern League entering the ballgame, pitching dominated the first six innings of the ballgame. Richmond right-hander Chris Heston blanked the Senators on just three singles. Harrisburg left-hander Danny Rosenbaum matched Heston stride for stride, shutting out the Squirrels on four singles.
Rosenbaum worked one more inning before calling it a night after seven scoreless frames. He allowed four total hits, walked two and struck out four. Heston did him an inning better, handling eight scoreless innings, also allowing just four total hits. He walked one and struck out six – four looking. Rosenbaum departed the ballgame with a league-leading ERA of 0.62. Heston lowered his ERA to 0.71, the second lowest in the EL. Neither starter factored in the decision.
The bullpens picked up right where the starters left off. Harrisburg right-hander Kevin Pucetas fired three scoreless innings behind Rosenbaum, while Richmond right-hander Daryl Maday blanked the Senators for three innings. Lefty Pat McCoy handled the Squirrels in order in the 11th and the ballgame proceeded to the 12th inning scoreless.
Richmond right-hander Jake Dunning handled two scoreless innings, through the 13th inning. Right-hander Brett Bochy (3-1) held off the Senators in the 14th and earned his third victory of the season. Frias (1-3) took the loss for Harrisburg.
The Squirrels travel to Akron on Friday to open a seven-day, seven-game road trip beginning with a three-game series against the Akron Aeros (Cleveland Indians). The series opens at Canal Park at 7:05 PM on Friday night. Richmond LHP Mike Kickham (2-3, 2.82) will make the start opposite Akron LHP T.J. House (1-1, 4.76). Pregame coverage will begin at 6:35 PM on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com.
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