Flying Squirrels newcomer Nick Hill made his first Double-A hit extra meaningful on Saturday night at The Diamond. In front of 8,056 fans on Military Appreciation Night, Hill grounded a two-run single into centerfield, pushing the Squirrels (50-54) ahead in a 7-5 win over Reading (48-57). The win extended the Squirrels winning streak to four straight games. Richmond will attempt to sweep the series in the homestand finale on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Sunday in Funnville is a Kids Club Sunday Funday. The first 1,500 fans (14 and under) will receive a free mini football. It is also the last peanut free game of the season, presented by Auvi-Q.
Caleb Gindl gathered four hits to lead the 11-hit attacked for Richmond. Starting pitcher Jake McCasland pitched six solid innings and turned in a quality start while Dusten Knight recorded the final five outs to earn his first save of the year.
Hill put the Squirrels back into the lead after Richmond failed to hold a three-run lead in the seventh. Reading’s Drew Stankiewicz drilled a three-run homer in the top of the seventh inning, tying the game 5-5. Hill then singled with two runners on and two outs in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead. Hill’s base hit worked its way back up the middle, plating Dylan Davis and Aramis Garcia for a 7-5 lead.
The Squirrels provided starting pitcher Jake McCasland with four runs over the first two innings on Sunday. Caleb Gindl and Ali Castillo each singled in the bottom of the first inning and advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Dylan Davis then lined a two-run single into left field for a 2-0 lead. With two outs, Jonah Arenado drilled an opposite field RBI double for the early 3-0 advantage. Richmond forced Reading’s Felix Paulino to throw 33 pitches as he faced seven batters in the first inning.
McCasland gave back one of the first inning runs to the Phils in the top of the second inning. First baseman Darick Hall walked on a close 3-2 pitch to start the inning. Hall took second on a base hit scored on a botched double play. Cornelius Randolph hit a sharp ground ball to first baseman John Riley. Riley threw to second for the first out but the return throw to first sailed into the Squirrels dugout, allowing Hall to score from second.
The Squirrels quickly responded with another run on the bottom of the second inning. John Riley reached on an error – a routine ground ball to shortstop Malquin Canelo. Gindl then rocked a base hit, advancing Riley to third base. With Gindl running on a 3-2 count, Ali Castillo struck out by Canelo dropped the ball on the throw to try and reach Gindl, allowing Riley to score from third to make it 4-1.
Paulino lasted just four innings as his pitch count reached 88. The righty received a no-decision in his second start at Double-A. Paulino allowed four runs on seven hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.
McCasland allowed a second run in the fifth as Reading chopped the lead in half, 4-2 . With two outs, Canelo doubled and came around to score on a pair of wild pitches. McCasland avoided any more trouble and departed for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning. The righty tossed just 77 pitches over six innings of work but earned a no-decision. He allowed the two runs on four hits while walking two and striking out a pair. Reliver Ryan Halstead (4-3) wound up earning the win despite allowing the home run in the seventh. Carlos Diaz recorded on out in the seventh before Knight entered to finish the inning and game
The Flying Squirrels concludee the four-game series against Reading on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Right-hander Chase Johnson (0-2, 3.90) is slated to make the start for Richmond against Reading RHP Tyler Viza (1-3, 4.13). Sunday in Funnville is a Kids Club Sunday Funday. The first 1,500 fans (14 and under) will receive a free mini football. It is also the last peanut free game of the season, presented by Auvi-Q. Tickets and information can be found at www.squirrelsbaseball.com or by calling 804-359-FUNN (3884).
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