Fightin Phils Drop Series Finale to SeaWolves 5-0

BOX SCORE

(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (18-31) fell to the Erie SeaWolves (34-17) 5-0 Sunday in the series finale, finishing 2-4 on the week. The Fightin Phils rallied in the bottom of the ninth to load the bases but fell short.

Will Crowe posted 3.0 shutout innings to open the series against Erie on Tuesday, not allowing a hit. His success continued in his second start against the SeaWolves, working around a walk in the first inning to retire the side and then going in order in the second frame.

In a rematch of the series opener versus Crowe, Garrett Burhenn (W, 6-1) was also coming off an impressive outing. He allowed just one run in 5.0 innings but earned the loss due to zero run support. The Fightin Phils nearly broke through on Burhenn in the second. As Leandro Pineda ripped a double into the gap, Reading tried to send catcher Paul McIntosh home all the way from first.

Erie executed a perfect relay to gun down McInotsh at home, and the Fightin Phils answered with nearly an exact replica. Jim Jarvis attempted to score on a ball in the right-center gap but Pineda fired the ball to Aidan Miller, who gunned down Jarvis at the plate.

Crowe exited after three innings and gave way to Gunner Mayer (L, 1-3). He allowed a hit to Eduardo Valencia but that was all, striking out two in the inning. Keaton Anthony improved his batting average to .331 but was stranded at first when a fly ball from Seth Beer landed just short of a home run, dying on the warning track.

With another pitching duel in full effect, the SeaWolves took the first lead of the day in the sixth inning off the blazing bat of Tigers No. 5 prospect Thayron Liranzo. The catcher played a huge role in the home-run barrage from Erie Saturday when three long balls in the sixth inning put the contest out of reach. He continued his dominance by belting a 3-1 pitch for a no-doubter off Mayer to take a 1-0 lead.

The SeaWolves added on as Andrew Bechtold came in relief of Mayer. Bechtold walked a batter to make it first and second, setting the stage for Danny Serretti — playing in just his second game of the series. Serretti used a sweet left-handed swing to hammer a ball into the right-center gap, plating both runners.

Burhenn was pulled after 5.0 innings following another superb day against Reading. He was relieved by Troy Watson, who retired Robert Moore and Miller to start the inning but walked two batters with Anthony’s second hit of the night sandwiched in between to load the bases. Though, McIntosh struck out on a 2-2 check swing to end the threat.

Andrew Walling and John McMillon worked back-to-back scoreless innings out of the Fightin Phils bullpen but Valencia put the finishing touches on the series with a two-run home run off Andrew Schultz. Their offense also never found its way as they were shutout for the third time in 2025 to start June 0-1.

The Fightin Phils return to the field on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against the Harrisburg Senators and starting pitchers have yet to be announced. Pregame coverage is underway at 6:15 p.m. on the Reading Fightin Phils Radio Network. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, June 10, through Sunday, June 22, against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Hartford Yard Goats. On Tuesday, the first 2,000 adults receive a R-Phils Throwback Jersey T-Shirt, thanks to Berks County Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Program. The first 2,000 kids, 12 and under, receive a free Hershey Park admission ticket on Wednesday. Thursday features a Roger Maris bobblehead for the first 2,500 adults, presented by Feesers. The night also includes the 2025 Reading Hall of Fame Induction of Dusty Wathan, Trevor May and Darin Ruf, sponsored by Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center; and the night concludes with fireworks, thanks to your local Kia dealers. Friday showcases fireworks, thanks to Silverline Trailers - Pottstown. Saturday is a Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks Show, presented by Diamond Credit Union and a Tribute to Taylor "Swifties Celebration." The series ends Sunday as first 3,000 men, 18 and older, receive a Father's Day Hawaiian Shirt, thanks to Redner's Markets & Quick Stops, "Preferred Grocery Store of the R-Phils." Tickets are available at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2025 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.