Eflin strong in shutout by Sea Dogs

The Reading Fightin Phils (12-8) were shutout 3-0 on Friday evening by the Portland Sea Dogs (8-13) as Zach Eflin earned his first loss of the season. The Fightin Phils struck out a season-high 14 times.  

Eflin allowed his first two runs of the season in the top of the second inning as David Chester hit a two-run home run to give Portland a 2-0 lead. Oscar Tejeda led off the inning with a single. Eflin allowed another run in the top of the eighth inning as Luis Martinez hit a sacrifice fly to score Jonathan Roof, who led off the inning with a triple to give the Sea Dogs a 3-0 lead.

The Fightin Phils managed four hits as Brock Stassi and Art Charles each singled while Gustavo Pierre hit his first run on the season and also singled. Eflin retired 22 of the 28 batters he faced.  

Eflin allowed three runs through eight innings with one walk and five strikeouts. He matched his season high in innings pitched with eight. Lee Ridenhour made his Double-A debut and struck out one in one inning of work.  

The Fightin Phils and Portland Sea Dogs will play on Saturday night beginning at 6:05 pm. Fans can listen to the game on CBS Sports Radio 1240 AM/98-5 FM and fightins.com beginning at 5:35 pm. Fans can also watch the game on MiLB.tv beginning at 6:05 pm.  

Tickets for the 2015 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium.