Rock Cats Beat Reading 7-2

New Britain, CT - The New Britain Rock Cats ended a 4 game losing streak with a 7-2 victory against the Reading Fightin Phils Thursday night at New Britain Stadium. The Rock Cats used a four-run 5th inning to build on a 3-0 lead and never looked back in their first home win since the All-Star break.    

Rock Cats starting pitcher Bryan Evans was outstanding in his second straight start against Reading and hurled six scoreless innings allowing only three singles. He retired 8 straight batters and did not allow a hit after the third inning while defeating the Fightin Phillies in back- to-back starts.

The Rock Cats took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single by SS Zach Osborne scoring Will Swanner from third base. Osborne would strike again against Reading starter Colin Kleven with another two out single in the 4th inning to make it 3-0 Rock Cats with Mike Tauchman and Pat Valiaka scoring.  

New Britain opened up the game with four runs in the 5th inning to make it 7-0 and send Kleven to the showers. Evans led off the inning with a single and SS Juan Ciriaco followed with a walk. A sacrifice bunt by David Dahl set up runners at second and third base. OF Noel Cuevas then ripped a 2-run single scoring both men to give New Britain a 5-0 lead. Tauchman followed with a single which chased Kleven from the game. Valaika scorched a 2 RBI double off the centerfield fence putting the Rock Cats ahead 7-0.  

The Rock Cats continue the 4-game weekend series against the Reading Fightin Phils tomorrow night at New Britain Stadium (7:05 PM). The game will be followed by a Post-Game Fireworks Show.