SeaWolves Build Early Lead but Fall to Squirrels

The SeaWolves built a 6-1 lead on Thursday night against the Richmond Flying Squirrels, but the bullpen could not hold the advantage, surrendering nine runs in a 10-7 Erie loss at The Diamond.

The SeaWolves took a lead in the top of the first inning when for the second time in three games, the leadoff man connected on a solo home run for a 1-0 lead. Wenceel Perez did it on Tuesday afternoon and it was Trei Cruz who did it on Thursday. It was also the third time in the past two seasons Erie has led off a game in Richmond with a home run.

Erie went ahead 2-0 in the top of the second when Corey Joyce snapped a six-game hitless streak with a solo home run to left-center. It was his first of the year.

Richmond got on the board in the bottom of the second against Erie starter Brant Hurter. Brett Auerbach led off with a walk and scored on a two-out Carter Aldrete double.

Hurter would go four innings in a no-decision effort. He allowed the one run on one hit with three walks and four strikeouts. The Erie lefty has allowed just one run over his first three starts, spanning 12 innings.

Erie would extend the lead in the top of the third against Richmond reliever Matt Frisbee. Grant Witherspoon led off with a walk and Jake Holton was hit by a pitch ahead of Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez uncorked a three-run home run, off the scoreboard in left-center for a 5-1 lead. The home run for Rodriguez was his second.

The ‘Wolves went ahead by five in the fourth when Cruz led off with a walk, stole second and later scored on a Diego Rincones groundout.

Richmond got a run back in the fifth against reliever Layne Henderson when Hayden Cantrelle doubled with one out and scored on an Ishmael Munguia base hit.

The lead held into the last of the seventh. Angel De Jesus started the inning and walked the leadoff man. He surrendered a one-out, two run home run to Munguia making it a 6-4 game. De Jesus would face one more hitter and gave up a double to Luis Matos before leaving the game. Chance Kirby entered and walked Patrick Bailey, putting the tying run on base. Auerbach singled home Matos to make it a one-run game. Tyler Fitzgerald walked, loading the bases for Andy Thomas who drew a walk, tying the game. Kirby would give up three more runs in the frame, giving Richmond a 10-6 lead.

Erie got one back in the eighth when Keith led off with a triple and scored on a Rincones sacrifice fly but would get no closer.

Richmond reliever Juan Sanchez (1-1) earned the win allowing a run on one hit in 2.1 innings with a walk and a strikeout.

Kirby (0-1) took the loss surrendering five runs on three hits with four walks and three strikeouts.