Squirrels Begin Seven-Game Swing Tonight

What's Happening:
+ The Flying Squirrels embark on a seven-day road trip to Reading, Pennsylvania (four games) and Trenton, New Jersey (three games), beginning tonight at 7:15 p.m. Richmond concluded an abbreviated, two-game set against Bowie on Thursday with a walk-off, 7-6 win over the Baysox. Ronnie Jebavy delivered the game-winning hit, a two-run single that kicked-off the second base bag, scoring both Dillon Dobson and Dylan Davis. Caleb Simpson earned the win after allowing a run in the top of the ninth inning. The win, coupled with an Akron loss, moved Richmond to 2.5 games back of first place Akron in the Western Division

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Walk-It Off 
Thursday marked the third time Richmond won in the last at bat of a game. The Squirrles fiirst walk-off win this season occured on April 15 against Reading. Jerry Sands brought home the winning run that day, scoring Matt Lipka on a base hit to left field. Dillon Dobson wone the second such game when he connected on a walk-off homer on 5/11 vs. Trenton. 
Month-to-Month
April Record: 14-9    May Record: 12-14       April ERA: 2.99   May ERA: 4.13
April Average: .237   May Average.248       April SB: 29/38   May SB: 21/32
May Showers Bring June Doubleheaders: 
+The Flying Squirrels had only one game postponed in the month of April but have now had five games rained out in May. Richmond has lost three home games this month and have been postponed 5 times in the last 16 games. The Squirrels now scheduled doubleheaders include: 
Saturday, June 9 vs. Harrisburg (makeup of game postponed (5/18)' 
Saturday, June 23 vs. Bowie (makeup of game postponed 5/30)
August 25 @ Altoona (makeup of game postponed on 5/16)
The Squirrels have played a pair of doubleheaders this month. Richmond split two games against Harrisburg on May 19 and swept of both ends of a double dip on May 23 in Binghamton.  
First Blood:
+ The first run of the game has proved to be crucial for the Flying Squirrels this season. The Squirrels have a record of 20-6 when they score first in games. When opponents score first against the Squirrels, Richmond has a 6-17 record. Equally important for the Squirrels is maintaining the lead once captured. Richmond's pitching staff has completed 18 of their 21 save opportunities this season led by Caleb Simpson who is 8-for-11 in saves this season.
OBP, Yeah You Know Me!:
+ Squirrels outfielder Luigi Rodriguez has not only been the hottest hitter on the team but he is the hottest hitter in the entire Eastern League. Rodriguez is second behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a .408 batting average. Rodriguez entered in the sixth inning on Thursday and recorded an infield RBI single to tie the game. Along with his offensive prowess, Luigi has also stolen eight bases this season which places him second on the team. Luigi leads the EL with a .479 OPB and ranks first in the league and first overall in ALL of MILB. His .408 average also ranks second amongst qualifying hitters in all of MILB (Guerrero Jr., .417).  
Today's Starters: Richmond's Garrett Williams:
+ Lefty Garrett Williams opens the series in Reading tonight, making his 10th start of the year. Williams is coming off an outing last Friday in Akron where he allowed a career-high 11 runs (eight earned) on nine hits over 3.2 innings of work. Williams has lost his previous four starts and has failed to make it longer than four innings in those outings. Control has been in issue for Williams as he has walked 29 batters in 35 innings pitched, The 29 walks are third-most in the Eastern League. Williams faced Reading on 4/15 at The Diamond. He tossed four innings in a no-decision and allowed four runs (two earned) in four hits. He walked five and struck out three. 
Reading's RHP José Taveras:
+ Right-hander Jose Tavares takes the ball for the Fightings tonight. Tavares makes just his third start of the season and his first career start against the Flying Squirrels. Taveras joined Reading for two starts last year in July after beginn ing the season in Clearwater (A+). The Phillies then bumped him up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for seven starts to finish the season. The 24-year old was signed as international free agent by Phillies, Nov. 10, 2013. He began the year at Extended Spring working his way back from a "shoulder issue" suffered in Spring Training. He made his 2018 debut on May 22 vs. New Hampshire.   
Hoober Incorporated Down on the Farm Report:
+ Sacramento (AAA)- Bested El Paso 7 -3 with four hits from Steven Duggar. Duggar raised his average to .273 and Connor Menez made his second Triple-A start. Menez went seven innings and struck out eight. He did not allow a run. 
+ San Jose (A+) - Defeated Visalia 5-2 on Thursday. CJ Hinojosa returned from his 50 game suspension and went 2-3 in his 2018 debut. Maddion Bumgarner worked 4.2 innings in his second rehab outing. He allowed one run and punched out seven.
Augusta (A) - The GreenJackets (33-17) were postponed in Thursday. They are in firts place, 3.5 games ahead.