SLIPPERY ROCK — Shawn Pynn saw plenty of good at-bats Wednesday night.

He didn't see many clutch hits — from his hitters, anyway.

The Slippery Rock Sliders manager watched visiting Richmond score five of its first six runs on two-out hits en route to an 11-3 pasting of the Sliders in Prospect League baseball action at Critchfield Park.

The loss was the Sliders' eighth in a row.

“Things are bound to turn,” Pynn said. “The law of averages say so, anyway. We're just not getting any bloops or hard-hit balls to fall in.

“I liked our approach at the plate tonight. We just have to fight through this skid we're on. If we stay the course, things will begin to go our way.”

The RiverRats hit safely in every inning Wednesday, collecting 17 hits against four Slider pitchers, including three home runs. Richmond has belted 14 homers this season.

“I wouldn't say we're a power hitting team, but we've got guys with good hands at the plate and they put some good swings through the zone tonight,” Richmond manager Tyler Lairson said.

The big blow was a two-out, three-run homer in the top of the first inning by Derek Trovillion. It was his third round-tripper of the campaign.

Conversely, the Sliders put the first two batters on in the first and second innings, failing to score either time. Slippery Rock put the leadoff batter on base in each of the first four frames, but couldn't bring anyone around.

Richmond starter Patrick Van Daalwyk began the night with a 5.33 earned run average. He allowed no earned runs through six innings, throwing 72 of his 105 pitches for strikes.

“He did a good job of pounding the zone and wriggling out of trouble,” Lairson said.

All three Slider runs on the night were unearned, though Slippery Rock did collect 10 hits.

Slider starter Luis Flores struggled through four-plus innings, throwing 95 pitches while allowing 11 hits and nine runs. He threw 33 pitches in the first inning.

Slippery Rock trailed 10-0 after four and a half innings.

“I hate to make excuses, but I'm sure the heat bothered him because of that,” Pynn said. “I'll let guys throw 120 pitches, as long as it's 10 to 15 pitches each inning.

“Thirty-pitch innings can kill you.”

Richmond's No. 2 hitter, Justin Pearson, had three hits, including his second home run of the year. Pearson and No. 3 hitter Nolan Earley are both hitting over .400 this season.

The Sliders began the night with a team batting average of .232. Slippery Rock has been outscored 63-20 during its eight-game skid.

“This is a tough league,” Lairson said. “Every night, you have to play well if you expect to win. Slippery Rock has good players and they'll get it together.

“I preach to our guys to be ready to play each and every night. Won-loss records mean nothing.”

Trent Wooldridge, Radley Haddad, Pat Guinane and Zach Looney all had two hits for the Sliders. Slippery Rock hosts East Division-leading West Virginia tonight.

“We're excited about it,” Pynn said. “We'll have our best pitcher throwing and our full roster is finally here. We're looking forward to turning this thing around.

“Once you get that first win, it's odd in baseball how things can suddenly turn in your favor.”

Richmond 401 140 001 — 11 17 3

Slippery Rock 000 021 000 — 3 10 3

W: Patrick Van Daalwyk 6IP (3K, 0BB). L: Luis Flores 4IP (1K,1BB).

Richmond (10-10): Jake Welch 3-1B, Justin Pearson 2-1B HR 2-R, Nolan Earley 1B RBI, Cody Campbell 2-1B, Jake Mahon 2B 1B 3-RBI, Derek Trovillion HR 3-RBI, Kyle Bischoff 3-1B RBI, Dwayne Hysmith HR 2-RBI, Ray Delvalle 2B

Slippery Rock (5-14): Justin Viele 1B, Trent Wooldridge 2-1B, Pat Gelwicks 1B, Radley Haddad 2-1B RBI, Drew Bryan RBI, Pat Guinane 2B 1B, Zach Looney 2-1B, Derek Peake RBI

Friday: West Virginia at Slippery Rock, 7:05 p.m.