Erie Rides Two Early Homers to Fourth Straight Win

The SeaWolves rode a pair of first-inning home runs to their fourth consecutive win over Richmond, 6-1.

Trei Cruz attacked the first pitch thrown by Richmond starter Ryan Murphy and launched a lead-off home run. Later in the inning with Wenceel Perez on first base and two out following his walk, Grant Witherspoon belted Murphy’s curveball for a two-run homer. Erie led 3-0 going to the second inning.

Erie starter Wilmer Flores (2-2) turned in a strong outing for the SeaWolves. He tossed five innings, earning his second consecutive win. He allowed a run on Riley Mahan’s two-out, RBI single in the third inning. In total, Flores allowed four hits, two walks, and struck out three.

The SeaWolves tacked on a run in the fourth when Diego Rincones plated Gage Workman from first base on an opposite-field double. Daniel Cabrera walked to follow, ending Murphy’s (1-1) losing outing.

Richmond reliever Blake Rivera struggled in the sixth inning. He walked Workman and Rincones to begin the inning. After a passed ball advanced the runners, Trei Cruz scored Workman on a sacrifice fly. Colt Keith followed with a double, his first hit of the series, to score Rincones and extend the lead to 6-1.

Erie’s bullpen held Richmond off the board after Flores departed. Billy Lescher, Jake Higginbotham, and RJ Petit combined for four scoreless frames with two hits and two walks allowed in total.

Erie is just a half-game back of first place and ends the day above .500 for the first time since April 18th when they entered play 5-4.

The series continues on Saturday at 1:35 p.m. with Brant Hurter facing right-hander Carson Seymour.