Déjà Boo; Squirrels Fall In Ninth…. Again
Akron, Ohio - Akron RubberDucks outfielder Kaa'ai Tom launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, sinking the Squirrels in the last at bat for the second consecutive night. Akron (58-40) celebrated a 5-4 win over the Flying Squirrels (46-50) despite Richmond out-hitting the "Ducks for
Akron, Ohio - Akron RubberDucks outfielder Kaa'ai Tom launched a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, sinking the Squirrels in the last at bat for the second consecutive night. Akron (58-40) celebrated a 5-4 win over the Flying Squirrels (46-50) despite Richmond out-hitting the "Ducks for the second straight game (10-8).
Another see-saw affair from Canal Park fell in favor of the RubberDucks on Friday night. Tied 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning,
The Tom homer made a winner out of 'Ducks reliever
The Squirrels took their only lead in of the game in the top of the sixth inning. Facing Cleveland Indians top prospect Tristan McKenzie, Garcia drilled a go-ahead two-run homer over the left field fence to give Richmond a 3-1 lead. Garcia's 10th home run of the season knocked McKenzie from the game after 5.1 innings worked. The righty allowed three runs on six hits in the no-decision. He struck out seven and walked two.
Once more the lead was not safe as Akron rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to retake the lead.
Flying Squirrels starter Jose Flores retire the side in order over the first two innings against his former team. Ka'aa Tom disrupted the Flores rhythm to start the bottom of the third, looping a base hit into right field. Tom took second on a ground ball out and came around to score the game's first run on a flare bae hit into shallow left field.
Flores finished off the third inning to end his spot start for Richmond. The burly right-hander allowed just the one run on two hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Flores tossed 46 pitches and received a no-decision.
As was the case on Thursday, Richmond quickly countered to tie the game on Friday.
Richmond continues their seven-game road trip with game three from Akron on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. LHP