Brach struggles, Aeros lose 7-5
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By Staff Report July 4, 2012
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Akron, OH –Richmond catcher Johnny Monell hit his second home run in as many nights when he smacked a game-winning two-run shot in the third inning of Richmond’s 7-5 victory over Akron on Tuesday night at Canal Park. Monell and the Flying Squirrel offense combined for 15 hits as they roughed up Akron starter Brett Brach for seven total runs to defeat the Aeros.
The Flying Squirrels grabbed an early lead in the first inning for the second night in a row, and never trailed after that point. After Akron tied the game with a run of their own in the first inning, Richmond scored again in the second inning to take a 2-1 lead. The Richmond offense stayed active in the third inning, putting five more runs on the board to take a 7-1 lead. The Aeros added a run in the sixth, and three runs in the eighth but the early deficit proved insurmountable.
Richmond’s five-run third inning included a solo home run from Juan Perez and the two-run shot off the bat of Monell. Left fielder Nick Liles led the hit parade for the Squirrels, going 4 for 5 to raise his average to .268. The Squirrels also got multi-hit nights from Tommy Joseph, Ehire Adrianza, and Monell.
Nick Weglarz was the primary force for the Akron offense, as the designated hitter finished the night going 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBI. Weglarz launched his 12th home run of the year to help spark the three-run Aeros eighth inning. Roberto Perez and Matt Lawson also recorded multi-hit nights for Akron.
Richmond starter Chris Gloor pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and one run, while striking out six batters. Jake Dunning (2-1) earned the win for the Squirrels, going 2 1/3 innings allowing one unearned run while striking out three. Edwin Quirarte worked the ninth inning to notch his first save of the season.
Brach (3-4) worked four innings for the Aeros, allowing a season-worst 11 hits and seven earned runs. Jose De La Torre came on in relief of Brach and worked three shutout innings, giving up two hits while striking out three batters. All-Star selection Kyle Landis came on after De La Torre and pitched two shutout innings.
The Aeros will hit the road Wednesday and begin a six-game roadtrip at Erie and Bowie before the Eastern League All-Star Break. Wednesday’s game will begin at 7:05 PM, and will feature a pitching matchup of RHP Paolo Espino (2-2, 3.51) for Akron and RHP Cesar Carillo (0-0, 2.25) for the SeaWolves.
