7/31 -- Baysox Drop Finale in Extras, 3-1

BOWIE, Md. - The Reading Fightin' Phils scored two runs in the 11^th inning to salvage a 3-1 win in the series finale against the Bowie Baysox in front of 2,366 at Prince George's Stadium Wednesday night.
Reading (25-18) loaded the bases via a fielding error, a bunt single and a flared single to start the fifth inning, but starter Alex Wells escaped with a scoreless frame. A Jose Antequera grounder back to the mound prompted a fielder's choice at the plate. A shallow fly ball off the bat of Luke Williams to T.J. Nichting in left field recorded the second out, while a diving stop by Preston Palmeiro at 1B completed the magic act by the Bowie defense. 
In total, Wells bounced back from his five-run outing in Binghamton by allowing one run on seven hits in seven strong innings. The lefty struck out seven Phils in his seventh start of seven innings or more out of a total of 18 starts. Zach Muckenhirn tossed three scoreless innings, while Steven Klimek allowed two unearned runs in the 11^th.
Bowie's team speed broke up the scoreless pitcher's duel in the sixth inning. Flared singles from Nichting and Cedric Mullins put runners on the corners with one out. With Rio Ruiz up, Mullins stole second base and forced a throw down. Nichting then took off for home plate and beat the throw to complete the double steal and give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Baysox (29-11) enjoy an off night Thursday before the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, come to Maryland for the first and only time in 2019. RHP Mike Baumann (2-1, 1.16 ERA) makes the start for Bowie against Portland RHP Konner Wade (2-4, 3.20 ERA).