Alu Homers in Senators 5-1 Loss to Richmond

Jake Alu homered leading off the sixth inning, but it wasn’t nearly enough in the Senators 5-1 loss to Richmond Friday night at FNB Field. Richmond scored in the first, then three more in the sixth on a three-run home run. Jake Irvin started for the Sens and took the loss, his second with the Senators.

Irvin went 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on four hits while striking out eight. He retired 14 straight batters spanning the first through fifth innings. Brian Gonzalez allowed two hits in 1.1 scoreless innings. Alberto Guerrero allowed a run on three hits in 1.1 innings of work. Richard Guasch finished with a perfect ninth inning, striking out two batters. The Senators pitching staff combined to strike out 14 Flying Squirrels with only one walk.

For the second straight game, no Senator batter had two hits. Jack Dunn and Andrew Young both doubled to go with Alu’s home run. The Senators went oh-for-six with runners in scoring position.

The game took 2:30 and it was in front of 4,969 fans. The Senators were errorless for the 34th time in 61 games. They’re 18-16 in games in which they do not commit an error.