Ennis Makes First Start Tonight

After taking two of three from Erie, the R-Phils returned home to FirstEnergy Stadium last night to begin a four-game homestand with the Akron Aeros. Thanks to long balls from Harold Garcia and Kevin Mahar, and a spectacular outing from Drew Naylor, they picked up yet another win. Tonight, John Ennis will make his first start for the R-Phils this season as the team looks for back-to-back victories.

Ennis (2-0, 3.03) was originally selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 14th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft. The Colorado native has spent time in both the Minor Leagues and Majors, with back-to-back years in Lehigh Valley (AAA) lately. Since coming to Reading this season, Ennis has appeared in 16 games, hurling twenty-nine and two thirds innings during that time. The big righty has fanned 28 batters to only seven walks, and has racked up five shutout appearances in his last seven attempts. Through four games in July, Ennis has posted a 1.42 ERA and is holding opposing hitters to a .208 average.

The Aeros will send Scott Barnes (5-8, 4.95) to the mound on Friday night looking to rebound after last night's 4-1 defeat. After getting off to an 0-2 start with a high ERA in the month of April, the righty has taken flight and put up impressive numbers ever since. The former St. John's starter has had an outstanding July thus far, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.03 ERA. In his last two starts, both versus the SeaWolves, Barnes has gone thirteen total innings, surrendering just three earned runs. 

It will be another exciting night here in Baseballtown, as the R-Phils celebrate Coal Region Night #4 with a Tribute to Yuengling. The R-Phils are proud to honor Yuengling: America's Oldest Brewery, thanks to 830 AM WEEU. Tonight is also the 35th Annual Shriner's Night. 

Friday is another 4 for $48 Family Night with play catch on the field, thanks to Capital BlueCross. Happy Hour will feature $1.00 off select beers from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., with a pre-game concert from Mixx in the Classic Café from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Kids can also enjoy 30 free minutes in Phunland during the Kids Club Happy Half Hour.

Be sure to stick around after the final out is recorded, as All-Star Distributing and Yuengling present a post-game fireworks spectacular. Instead of fighting that traffic in the parking lot after the fireworks, come on down to the Classic Café for live music from Mixx.

Brian Seltzer will have the call for the game beginning at 6:35 p.m. with the R-Phils pre-game show on ESPN Radio 1240 AM WIOV and readingphillies.com. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.