Wilson, Bishop homer but 'Ducks come back to beat Squirrels

AKRON, Ohio – Will Wilson and Hunter Bishop hit a pair of early homers but the Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Akron RubberDucks, 7-2, on Wednesday night at Canal Park.

The Flying Squirrels (11-12) led through the first four frames before a four-run fifth inning by the RubberDucks (15-8), who picked up their ninth straight win.

Hunter 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 says ADIÓS 👋

We’re on the board at Canal Park! pic.twitter.com/M7FHJqRmwV

— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) May 1, 2024

Bishop hit his second Double-A homer in the second inning, a solo shot, to give Richmond a 1-0 lead.

Will Wilson homers in 2024: 2️⃣
Will Wilson homers in 2024 in an Ardillas Voladoras jersey: 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/5Uzlkzn5q2

— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) May 1, 2024

In the fourth, Wilson added a solo homer, his second this year, to extend the lead to 2-0.

After four scoreless innings to open the game for Matt Frisbee (Loss, 0-3), the RubberDucks put up four runs in the fifth inning. Joe Naranjo put Akron ahead with a three-run homer and Aaron Bracho added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 4-2.

In the sixth, Kody Huff hit a solo home run and Naranjo singled in a run to extend the lead to four. Joe Lampe capped the scoring with an RBI single in the eighth to open a 7-2 lead.

Akron starter Rodney Boone (Win, 2-0) pitched seven innings and allowed two runs.

The series continues on Thursday night at Canal Park. Right-hander Hayden Birdsong (1-1, 1.65) will be on the mound for Richmond countered by Akron right-hander Aaron Davenport (2-0, 2.21). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Following the two-week road trip, the Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond May 14-19 to face the Reading Fightin Phils. Tickets are on sale online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-3866 (FUNN) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.