Eighth Inning Misfortune Continues in Patriots' Independence Day Loss
The Somerset Patriots fell to the Reading Fightin’ Phils by a score of 5-4 on Tuesday night on Independence Day at TD Bank Ballpark in the first of a six-game series. RHP Richard Fitts (6.2 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 8 K) took the no-decision, putting together his team-leading eighth
The Somerset Patriots fell to the Reading Fightin’ Phils by a score of 5-4 on Tuesday night on Independence Day at TD Bank Ballpark in the first of a six-game series.
RHP Richard Fitts (6.2 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 8 K) took the no-decision, putting together his team-leading eighth quality start of the season and fourth over his last five starts.
Fitts has struck out 8+ in six of his 15 starts this season. Over his last eight starts dating back to 5/24, the Yankees No. 8 prospect has posted a 2.16 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. Fitts’ 92 K this season now ranks second in the Eastern League, while his 1.19 WHIP ranks sixth.
C Austin Wells (1-for-3, 3 RBI) extended Somerset’s lead to two runs with a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning, before his two-run single in the 5th inning extended the Patriots to 4-1 lead, their largest of the game.
The Yankees No. 2 prospect leads the team with 13 multi-RBI games. Wells’ 43 RBI on the season lead the Patriots despite only playing in 47 of Somerset’s 76 games.
DH Eric Wagaman (2-for-3, 2 R, BB) put together a multi-hit performance for the third consecutive game and 10th time this season. Wagaman also extended his hit streak to five games, over which he’s 8-for-18 (.444) with 5 R.
2B Mickey Gasper (1-for-4, RBI, R) put Somerset on the board with an RBI double in the 3rd inning, later scoring on an Austin Wells sacrifice fly.
Gasper extended his hit streak to a season-high nine games, going 14-for-31 (.451) with 9 RBI, 11 R, and 4 HR over that span.