Altherr's two-run blast propels Fightins to 6-5 win

Aaron Altherr hit a two-run home run with two outs in the top of the 8th inning

The Fightin Phils (46-64) needed a late two-run home run by Aaron Altherr to give them a 6-5 lead and eventual win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (52-59). The Fightin Phils were outhit 14-8 by New Hampshire but still managed their eleventh win over the Fisher Cats this season.  

After a one hour and seventeen minute rain delay, the Fisher Cats took a 2-0 lead off Hoby Milner in the bottom of the 2nd inning as Michael Crouse hit a two-run home run. The Fightin Phils scored four runs off John Anderson in the top of the 5th inning to take a 4-2 lead. Sebastian Valle hit a RBI single which was followed by Brock Stassi's RBI groundout. Kelly Dugan capped off the inning with a two run single.  

Hoby Milner left the game in the bottom of the 7th inning with one out and a runner on first-base. Nefi Ogando entered the game and hit Derrick Chung with a pitch then gave up a three-run home run to Jack Murphy. New Hampshire took a 5-4 lead heading into the top of the 8th inning.

Jake Fox hit a two-out single off Fisher Cats reliever Randy Boone in the top of the 8th inning that set up a two-run home run hit by Aaron Altherr that would give Reading a 6-5 lead. The home run by Altherr was his ninth on the season.

Hoby Milner gave up a career-high 12 hits in 6 2/3 innings as he allowed three runs with one walk and three strikeouts. Nefi Ogando (4-1) earned his fourth win as pitched 1 1/3 innings as he allowed two runs off two hits. Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez earned his fifth save as he struck out two batters in the bottom of the 9th inning.

The Fightin Phils and New Hampshire Fisher Cats will play a doubleheader tomorrow night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium beginning at 6:05 pm.

Savage 61 Fightins VIP Club plans, group tickets, and single game tickets for 2014 can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.