Grills pitches well as Yard Goats top Squirrels for seventh win in last nine games

The Yard Goats opened a four-game homestand Monday night with a win over Richmond before another sellout crowd. (Photo courtesy Hartford Yard Goats)

HARTFORD, June 25 – Pitcher Evan Grills had his best outing of the season Monday night to help Hartford Yard Goats reach the .500 mark with a 5-0 Eastern League shutout of the Richmond Flying Squirrels before yet another sellout crowd at Dunkin’ Donuts Park – the 21st sellout of the season.

Grills, attempting to come back from Tommy John surgery on his elbow, threw six shutout innings, allowing six hits, walking three and striking out three. The native of Canada pitched with runners on base in every inning outside of the first inning but managed to pitch his way out of trouble.

Richmond left eight runners on base against Grills and 13 in the game. The Squirrels (38-36) had eight hits in the game and were 0-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Sean Nolin, Logan Cozart and Matt Pierpont came out of the Hartford bullpen to pitch the last three innings

Hartford’s five runs scored without benefit of a hit thanks to two sacrifice flies, a bases-loaded walk, an error and a passed ball.  Mylz Jones, Sam Hilliard and Omar Carrizales each had two hits for the Yard Goats.  CJ Hinojosa and Dylan Davis each had two hits for the Squirrels, the San Francisco Giants’ Double A affiliate.

The Yard Goats (37-37) have won three straight games and seven of their last nine contests.

Former Boston Red Sox farmhand Shaun Anderson suffered the loss for Richmond, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings.  He walked two and struck out four.