Squirrels hang on for 6-5 win over Fightin Phils
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels held off the Reading Fightin Phils for a 6-5 win on Wednesday night at CarMax Park.
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Flying Squirrels held off the Reading Fightin Phils for a 6-5 win on Wednesday night at CarMax Park.
The Flying Squirrels (61-40, 18-15) used a pair of three-run innings to outpace the Fightin Phils (50-53, 20-14) in the series opener.
Charlie Szy-neaks one over the wall in left-center and we're out in front 👏
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) August 5, 2026
It's his 12th @Woodfin home run for your home team this season! pic.twitter.com/QusYFaXnTP
Charlie Szykowny opened the scoring with a solo homer in the bottom of the second, his 12th of the season. Later in the inning,
Si-óh yeah! pic.twitter.com/1gnz7H38j4
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) August 5, 2026
Jean Carlos Sió drove a two-run single to open a 3-0 lead against Reading starter Jean Cabrera (Loss, 3-5).
🔟 strikeouts tonight for Greg Farone 👌 pic.twitter.com/D8JtFpJQ1a
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) August 6, 2026
In the top of the fifth, Raider Tello hit an RBI single to close the score to 3-1. It was the only run allowed by Greg Farone (Win, 5-8) over 5.2 innings with a season-high 10 strikeouts. In his last five starts since July 3, Farone is 4-1 with a 3.46 ERA (10 ER/26.0 IP).
The Fightin Phils closed the score to 3-2 with a run scoring on a wild pitch. Tyler Vogel entered with the bases loaded and one out and recorded two strikeouts and a groundout to escape the jam.
Jancel Villarroel leavs the yard for the first time in Double-A 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YaoZ3mAnqV
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) August 6, 2026
The Flying Squirrels scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to stretch the lead to 6-2. Jancel Villarroel led off with a solo homer, his first at Double-A, in an 11-pitch at-bat against Jack Dallas.
Jack Payton brought home a run with a single and Sabin Ceballos scored on a groundout by Sió.
In the top of the ninth, Vogel recorded the first two outs before a walk and an RBI single by Pedro Leon closed the score to 6-3. Raylin Heredia followed with a two-run homer to pull Reading within a run.
Ryan Vanderhei (Save, 1) entered and allowed back-to-back two-strike singles before striking out Wuilfredo Antunez to end the game.
Trevor Cohen went 3-for-5 for the Flying Squirrels. He has collected multiple hits in eight consecutive games since July 26, batting .500 (19-for-38) in that span.
The Richmond pitching staff combined for 15 strikeouts.
The series continues with a doubleheader on Thursday night. First pitch for the first game is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. at CarMax Park. Right-hander Trystan Vrieling (5-1, 4.22) will start Game 1 for the Flying Squirrels and right-hander Yunior Marte (0-4, 4.47) will take the mound in Game 2.
Thursday is Virginia Tech Night at CarMax Park presented by Victory Brewing featuring an appearance by the HokieBird. The Flying Squirrels will wear their River City uniforms for the second game. The on-field jerseys are being auctioned at FlyingSquirrelsAuctions.com with proceeds benefiting the James River Association. Pregame entertainment will be provided by DJ Ron Manila and the Flying Squirrels’ Batter Up Brass Band.
Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the CarMax Park ticket office. Tickets for the Flying Squirrels’ home playoff games at CarMax Park on sale now at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Playoffs.