Early deficit too much to overcome in Portland

The Reading Fightin Phils fell behind early as starter Mike Nesseth allowed a two-run home run hit by Stefan Welch as the Portland Sea Dogs took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. The Sea Dogs scored seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 9-0 lead. Henry Ramos hit a two-RBI triple off Nesseth to jump start the inning. Ryan O'Sullivan came in relief of Nesseth who allowed five runs through 3 1/3 innings pitched.  

Mookie Betts followed suit with a three-run home run off reliever Ryan O'Sullivan and Travis Shaw hit a two run home run off O'Sullivan to cap off the inning. O'Sullivan allowed one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning as Deven Marrero hit a RBI double to give the Sea Dogs a 10-0 lead. O'Sullivan allowed five runs (three earned) off four hits and one walk through 2 1/3 innings pitched.

The Fightin Phils finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh inning as Brock Stassi and Chris Serritella provided RBI singles off Keith Couch to cut the Sea Dogs lead to 10-2.  

Jay Johnson and Kyle Simon each threw 2/3 scoreless innings. Ken Giles pitched a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning as he struck out the side. Mike Nesseth (0-1) received his first loss of the season. The Fightin Phils are now 11-11 on the season and play on Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm from Hadlock Field.  

Savage 61 Fightins VIP Club plans, group tickets, and single game tickets for 2014 can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.