Fightins attempt at comeback falls short

Reading ties the game at 3-3 in the top of the 8th but allow four runs in the bottom of the 8th

The Fightin Phils (8-7) attempted at a late comeback in the top of the eighth inning but ultimately lost to the Harrisburg Senators (8-8) by a score of 7-3 on Saturday night. Two players were ejected in the game for Reading.  

Zach Eflin was ejected from the game in the bottom of the second inning for throwing behind Stephen Perez and that would bring reliever Anthony Vasquez into the game. Harrisburg would score first in the bottom of the third inning with two outs as Matt Skole hit a two-run single off Vasquez for a 2-0 lead.

Vasquez left the game after pitching 3 1/3 innings as he allowed two runs (one earned) off two hits and two walks. Mike Nesseth entered the game in the bottom of the sixth inning to relieve Vasquez. Brian Goodwin extended the Senators' lead to 3-0 as he scored on a wild pitch by Nesseth.  

The Fightin Phils found a way to tie the game at 3-3 off reliever Abel De Los Santos in the top of the eighth inning. Logan Moore led off the inning with a double then Gustavo Pierre popped out to to Stephen Perez at shortstop. Brock Stassi hit a pinch hit double in the following at-bat to get the Fightins on the board. The inning continued with a Roman Quinn single and a sacrifice fly form KC Serna. Aaron Altherr tied the game with a RBI double to score Quinn.

Elvis Araujo entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning. He issued back-to-back walks to Tony Renda and Brian Goodwin before getting Matt Skole to fly out to center field. He walked Shawn Pleffner in the next at-bat then gave up a two-run single to Pedro Severino that gave Harrisburg a 5-3 lead. Araujo would be ejected from the game after that as he hit Stephen Perez with a pitch. Ryan O'Sullivan entered the game in relief and pinch-hitter Mario Lisson hit a two run single to give Harrisburg a 7-3 lead. All runs were charged to Araujo.

Reading scored a run off reliever Gilberto Mendez in the top of the 9th inning as Logan Moore hit a RBI groundout to score Tony Thomas who hit a triple in the previous at-bat to cut the Senators lead to 7-4. Gustavo Pierre grounded out to end the game.

The Fightin Phils wrap up their series with the Harrisburg Senators at Metro Bank Park on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 pm. Fans can listen to the game on CBS Sports Radio 1240 AM/98-5 FM and fightins.com beginning at 1:00 pm. Fans can also view the game on MiLB.tv beginning at 1:30 pm.

Tickets for the 2015 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium.