Richmond’s Strength Is Pitching, Defense and a Savvy Manager

Led by 1, 233 + game winning manager Dave Machemer, good pitching and strong defense, 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants’ Double A Richmond Flying Squirrels, five and a half games behind, are battling the Harrisburg Senators for first place in the Western Division Eastern League pennant race.LHP Eric Surkamp leads Eastern League pitchers with a 7-3 W-L record, 1.61 ERA and RHP Justin Fitzgerald is pitching good ball with a 6-4 W-L record, and 3.46.The Flying Squirrels are sound defensively with Aaron Lowenstein and Johnny Monell sharing time behind the plate, Wes Hodges at 1B, Charlie Culberson at 2B, Nick Noonan at SS, and Chris Dominquez at 3B.Richmond’s leading hitter is 2B Charlie Culberson with a 266 BA, 6 HR and 27 RBI. OF Roger Kieschnick is second highest, hitting 257 BA, 8 HR and driving in 41 RBI.The Flying Squirrels can field as many as ten Baseball America Giant 2011 top 30 rated prospects in the lineup: BA #8 Charlie Culberson 2B, BA #9 Eric Surkamp LHP, BA #14 Roger KIeschnick OF, BA #15 Chris Dominquez 3B, BA #19 Heath Hembee RHP, BA #23 Nick Noonan SS, BA #25 Ryan Verdugo LHP, BA#28 Johnny Monell C, BA #30 Clayton Tanner LHP.Chris Dominquez was particularly impressive the game I saw him at Harrisburg, hitting two doubles and a triple and fielding several one hop hot rockets shots at 3B without blinking an eye.I saw Richmond in day ball games at Bowie June 1st and Harrisburg June 22nd. Photos are available of the Flying Squirrels listed below. Click here to see a slide program of the photos.List of Available Players PhotosAaron Lowenstein C,Charlie Culberson 2B,Chris Dominquez 3B,Clayton Tanner LHP,Dave Machemer mgr,Edwin Quararte RHP,Eric Surkamp LHP,Heath Hombee RHP,Joe Kohansky 1B,Johnny Monell C,Juan Perez OF,Justin Christian OF,Justin Fitzgerald RHP,Nick Noonan SS,Osiris Matos RHP,Roger Kieschnick OF,Ryan Verdugo LHP,Skyler Stromsmoe 3B,Thomas Vassala RHP,Wes Hodges 1B