Thompson blanks B-Mets for 2-0 series lead

Jake Thompson (1-0) rose to the occasion on Friday night as he pitched a complete-game shutout to guide the Reading Fightin Phils (2-0) to a 3-0 win over the Binghamton Mets (0-2). Reading has now taken a 2-0 EDCS series lead and are one win away from a trip to the Eastern League Championship Series.  

Brock Stassi led off the top of the second inning with a double off B-Mets starter Robert Gsellman then scored on a RBI single by Cameron Perkins that gave Reading a 1-0 lead. Perkins struck again off Gsellman in the top of the third inning as he hit a two-out RBI single that scored JP Crawford and gave Reading a 2-0 lead.  

B-Mets starter left the game through 4 1/3 innings after Perkins recorded his third hit of the game, a double with one out in the top of the fifth. B-Mets reliever Jeff Walters came into the game and got Harold Martinez to ground into an inning-ending double play. Nick Williams gave Reading a 3-0 lead off Walter with two outs in the top of the sixth inning as he hit a solo home run.  

Binghamton had runners on first and second with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Thompson struck out Brock Peterson to end the game and preserve the win for the Fightin Phils. Robert Gsellman (0-1) took the loss.  

It was the first complete game in the playoffs for Reading since September 5 of 2001 when Brett Myers (eight innings) did it in a loss against Erie in game one of a doubleheader. It was the first complete game by a Fightin Phils starter since August 17th of last season when Hoby Milner did it against Binghamton.  

The Fightin Phils and B-Mets will play game three at FirstEnergy Stadium on Saturday night. First pitch is at 7:05 pm. Fans can listen to the game on CBS Sports Radio 1240 AM/98-5 FM and fightins.com beginning at 6:35 pm. Fans can also view the game on MiLB.tv beginning at 7:05 pm.  

Tickets for the 2016 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium.