Double-Plays Haunt Fightins

Mark Leiter Jr. (0-2) was impressive for a second straight start but fell short as the Reading Fightin Phils (37-34) were shutout by the Akron RubberDucks (38-34) 4-0 on Wednesday night. The Fightin Phils grounded into three ending-inning double-plays.  

Leiter Jr. didn't allow a run through the first six innings. Akron scored one run off Leiter Jr. in the top of the seventh inning as Ronny Rodriguez hit a sacrifice fly to give the RubberDucks a 1-0 lead. Leiter Jr. left the game with one out remaining in the seventh inning as Tyler Knigge entered and struck out Tom Hankins to end the inning.  

Akron scored three runs off Knigge in the top of the eighth inning to give the RubberDucks a 4-0 lead. The Fightin Phils had scoring chances in the fourth, fifth and eighth innings but grounded into inning-ending double plays. Mike Clevinger through five scoreless innings but Joe Colon (1-0) received the win after tossing a scoreless bottom of the sixth inning. Nefi Ogando tossed a scoreless top of the ninth inning for Reading.

JP Crawford extended his on-base streak to 24 games but ended his hitting streak at 9-games.  

The Fightin Phils continue their home-stand on Thurdsay night against the Akron RubberDucks. First pitch is at 7:05 pm. Fans can listen to the game on CBS Sports Radio 1240 AM/98-5 FM and fightins.com beginning at 6:35 pm. Fans can also view the game on MiLB.tv beginning at 7:05 pm.  

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