Senators Can't Hold Lead, Fall 8-6 to Richmond

The Harrisburg Senators fell behind 5-0 on Monday in Richmond, then rallied for the lead, only to see their lead slip away in an 8-6 loss to Richmond. Harrisburg plated four runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth to rally from a 5-0 deficit to take the lead. Richmond though, rallied themselves scoring a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth for the win. All three of the runs for Richmond came with two outs.

Chien Ming-Wang started for the Senators against Craig Westcott for Richmond. Both pitchers allowed leadoff hits in the first, but neither team scored. Richmond, though, plated three in the second and two more in the third for a 5-0 lead.

The Senators came back in the fourth when Anthony Rendon walked and with one out, Jhonatan Solano singled. His single was followed by three consecutive run producing hits off the bats of Destin Hood, Sean Nicol and Jose Lozada. The inning was capped with Wang driving in the fourth run with an rbi ground out.

In the fifth Jimmy VanOstrand singled leading off the inning. With one out, Justin Bloxom singled and then Solano drove in VanOstrand with the tying run. Destin Hood hit into a fielder's choice, but it scored Bloxom giving the Senators a 6-5 lead. Nicol followed with a single but Hood was thrown out trying for third base. Nicol's hit would be the final hit in the game for the Senators.

Richmond tied the game in the sixth on a home run by Wes Hodges, then took an 8-6 lead on a two-run double by Juan Perez.

Meanwhile, Chris Wilson retired all nine batters he faced for Richmond in earning the win and Darryl Maday retired the side in order in the ninth for his 12th save on the season. The final twelve batters were retired by the Richmond bullpen.

Solano and Nicol both had two hits in the game. Paul Demny took the loss, allowing the two-run double in the sixth inning. Harrisburg falls to 61-73 on the season while Richmond keeps their slim playoff hopes alive and improves to 68-67.

Game two of the series is Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. with RH Trevor Holder on the hill for the Senators. The game can be heard on 1460am The Ticket, on the Internet through the Senators website and on iHeart Radio beginning with the pregame show at 6:45 p.m.