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Squirrels hang on, even series in Akron

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richmond-squirrelsThe Flying Squirrels (65-65) clung to a late lead on Friday and finished the job to pull even in the series against the RubberDucks in a 5-3 win. Richmond collected 13 hits, including three apiece from Juan Ciriaco and Myles Schroder to support starting pitcher Tyler Beede in the win. Game three of the series is on Saturday night at Canal Park with RHP Joan Gregorio starting for the Squirrels. Only ten games remain in the 2015 regular season and only four at The Diamond (September 4-7),

Juan Ciriaco once again initiated the offense in the first inning for Richmond. Ciriaco doubled to left centerfield off starting pitcher Shawn Morimando and scored on a base hit to left from Hunter Cole. Morimando then surrendered a line drive double to Ricky Oropesa but struck out Devin Harris to end the inning.

Morimando found himself in trouble again with two outs in the second inning. Jesus Galindo walked and moved to second on Rando Moreno’s base hit to center. Myles Schroder followed with a triple into right center field, scoring a pair for a 3-0 lead. The next batter Ciriaco knocked in Schroder with his second hit of the night for a 4-0 edge. Ciriaco collected three hits in the game and extended his streak to six games.

Akron trimmed the deficit in half against Tyler Beede in the bottom of the second inning. With two runners on, catcher Jeremy Lucas singled in the first run for a 4-1 game. Shorstop Eric Stamets then lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to plate the second run of the day for Akron.

Beede (3-8) managed to navigate through five innings to earn the win. He pitched with runners on base in every inning. Pedro Rodriguez relieved Beede and pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh before giving up a double to start the eighth inning. Phil McComick relieved Rodriguez retired the first batter Bradley Zimmer but gave up a pair of hits to score a run for a 5-3 game. McCormick was then lifted for Kyle Crick with the tying runners on base and Crick fanned Jeremy Lucas to preserve the Squirrels lead.

Akron’s Morimondo was the losing pitcher. He hurled six innings and allowed four runs on ten hits with six strikeouts. Relievers Zach Nuding and Luis Head pitched the final three innings in the game for Akron.

The Squirrels eight game road trip continues Saturday with game three in Akron. Squirrels RHP Joan Gregorio (2-2, 3.19) will make the start against Akron RHP Duke von Schamann (1-1, 6.89). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 with the Pregame Warmup beginning at 6:40 PM on Fox Sports 910 and FoxSportsRichmond.com. The Remaining Squirrels promotional schedule is as follows: (9/4) Free Shirt Fridays, Happy Hour & Ladies Night. (9/5) Superblast Saturday and 20th Anniversary of Billy Madison. (9/6) Kids Club Metal Lunchbox Giveaway. (9/7) Bark In the Park #3 – Labor Day.

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