Late comeback falls short in Portland

The Reading Fightin Phils offense showed up late in the game as the scored six runs after falling behind 8-0 but it wouldn't be enough as they lost 8-6. Jesse Biddle received his third loss of the season after winning his past two starts.  

Portland feasted off Fightin Phils starter Jesse Biddle early as they scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and three runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 5-0 lead. The Fightin Phils recorded their first hit off Sea Dogs starter Mike McCarthy in the top of the fourth inning as Carlos Alonso singled to lead off the inning.  

Biddle left after four innings of work and allowed six runs (four earned) off four hits and five walks with one strikeout. Austin Wright entered the game in the bottom of the fifth inning and pitched two innings. He allowed two runs off three hits with two walks and one strikeout. Both runs for the Sea Dogs came in the bottom of the sixth inning and allowed Portland to take a 8-0 lead.  

The Fightin Phils showed life in the top of the seventh inning after Sea Dogs starter Mike McCarthy left the game after six innings. Newly called up reliever Mike Kraus allowed three runs in the top of the seventh inning to cut the Sea Dogs lead to five, 8-3. Chris Serritella hit a RBI double to score Cameron Perkins and Aaron Altherr hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded. Carlos Alonso capped off the inning with a RBI double. Chris Serritella hit his first home run of the season in the top of the eighth inning off Kraus to put the Fightin Phils within four runs, 8-4.

The Fightin Phils scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning off Sea Dogs reliever Aaron Kurcz as Edgar Duran scored on a wild pitch with the bases loaded and Cameron Perkins a RBI single. It put the game at 8-6 still in favor of the Sea Dogs but Cam Perkins was forced out at second for the final out after a fielder's choice by Aaron Altherr.  

The Fightin Phils have lost four straight games and are now 11-10 on the season. They look to get back to their winning ways as they send right-hander Mike Nesseth to the mound on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.  

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