(Reading, PA) - Reading hit three solo home runs including back-to-back shots from Tommy Joseph and Leandro Castro in the decisive seventh inning as the Phillies beat the Trenton Thunder, 4-2, in game one of the best-of-five series Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. Trailing 1-0 in the series, the Thunder will hand the ball to Shaeffer Hall Thursday night hoping to earn a split in the two road games.

With the score tied 2-2 in the seventh, Joseph led off with an opposite field shot against Brett Marshall (0-1) to put Reading in the lead. Castro followed with a blast to left to put the Phillies in front by two. Tyler Knigge (1-0) pitched around two singles in the eighth to hold the lead while Justin Friend pitched around a walk and a hit in the ninth to earn the save.

Trenton took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning when newcomer Ramon Flores drove a two-run home run to right field against Reading starter Austin Hyatt. It was his second homer in as many games with the club since being promoted from the Tampa Yankees on Monday.

Reading came back against Marshall and tied the score in the fifth. Jake Fox led off with a long bomb to left field for the first hit allowed by the right-hander. After a single from Tug Hulett and a double from Castro put runners on second and third, Jiwan James drove home the tying run with a ground out.

Hyatt allowed two runs on four hits in 6.1 innings while Knigge pitched 1.2 scoreless frames to earn the win. Marshall was hit with the loss after allowing four runs on six hits (three homers) in seven full innings of work.

Trenton and Reading continue the series with game two Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. The Thunder will throw lefty Shaeffer Hall (9-10, 3.67) while the Phillies are expected to start righty Trevor May (10-13, 4.87). Radio coverage on 91.3 FM (WTSR) and also streaming online begins at 6:50 pm.