Heston's Effort Spoiled in 2-1 Loss

RICHMOND, Va. - Chris Heston's second wild pitch of the inning allowed Jose Lozada to sprint home with the game-winning run in the top of the eighth inning as the Harrisburg Senators (62-73) defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels (68-68), 2-1, in the second game of a four-game series at The Diamond Tuesday night.

Richmond's loss coupled with the Bowie Baysox' win over the Erie SeaWolves leaves the Flying Squirrels 6 ½ games in back in the wild card race. Bowie must lose all seven of its remaining games for Richmond to have a chance at earning a postseason berth.

The Senators drew first blood with a run in the opening frame. With two outs in the inning, Anthony Rendon ripped a triple off the base of the wall in right-center field. Justin Bloxom drove in Rendon with an RBI single that gave Harrisburg a 1-0 edge.

Richmond answered with a run in the bottom of the first. Daniel Mayora hit a one-out double down the right field line and he advanced to third on a groundout from Juan Perez. Mark Minicozzi followed with an RBI single that plated Mayora and knotted the score at 1-1.

The game remained scoreless for the next six innings as Squirrels starter Chris Heston and Harrisburg's Trevor Holder matched each other pitch for pitch. Harrisburg finally broke the stalemate in the top of the eighth inning. Jose Lozada reached on a fielder's choice with two outs in the inning. He stole second base and then advanced to third on a wild pitch from Heston. Then, Heston delivered a wild pitch on ball four to Anthony Rendon and Lozada raced home, which gave the Senators a 2-1 advantage.

Meanwhile, Holder exited the game after the fifth inning and Harrisburg's bullpen picked up where he left off. Patrick McCoy came on in the bottom of the sixth inning and he worked into and out of trouble. Minicozzi singled to start the inning and Wes Hodges drew a walk from McCoy. After Johnny Monell advanced the runners with a groundout, McCoy issued an intentional walk to Ehire Adrianza to load the bases. He then struck out pinch-hitter Nick Liles and Heston to end the Richmond threat.

The Flying Squirrels managed just one hit in the final three innings as Marcos Frias and Ryan Tatusko combined to work three scoreless frames. Frias (4-4) picked up the win and Tatusko earned his first save. Heston (9-7) took the loss for Richmond.

The Squirrels will attempt to rebound with a win when the two teams meet in the third game of the four-game set Wednesday night. Richmond will send LHP Mike Kickham (11-10, 2.91) to the mound. Harrisburg is expected to counter with RHP Ryan Perry (2-4, 2.82). Pregame coverage will begin on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com at 6:35 PM.