Fightins Shutout Patriots 5-0, Earn Fourth Straight Victory

BOX SCORE

(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (9-9) were victorious on Thursday night 5-0 over the Somerset Patriots (7-11), extending their win streak to four games. With the win, the R-Phils improved to .500 on the season.

The Fightins bats got going right away in the first inning, as Carson Taylor's bat continued to impress. With Jose Rodriguez on third, Taylor shot a single to center field, earning his 17th RBI of the season. The Fightins added another run in the second, off the bat of Baron Radcliff who blasted his first home run of the season. It was his first home run since September 14, 2023. Radcliff went 3-4 with a run, three hits and an RBI. He was a triple shy from the cycle.

The Fightins started the fourth inning with a lead-off double by Caleb Ricketts, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a single, and two runs scored in the game. Jim Haley followed with an RBI triple to deep right-center field. Ricketts scored easily from second-base and the Fightins increased their lead 3-0. The next batter batter Bryce Ball earned an RBI on a sacrifice fly to centerfield, tacking on a run, 4-0 Fightins. The Fightins scored one more run in the sixth, as Bryce Ball drove in his second run of the night with an RBI single, and Ricketts crossed the plate.

The Patriot's offense was silenced by the Fightins pitchers, with nine shutout innings, seven hits, and seven strikeouts. Starter Robinson Pina had a solid command, going six strong innings, allowing five hits, one walk, and struck out five.

The Fightin Phils and Patriots return to the field Friday night at 6:45 p.m. for game four of this week's six-game series. LHP Matt Osterberg gets the start for Reading, and he will go opposite RHP Blane Abeyta for Somerset. Radio coverage is underway at 6:30 p.m. at rphils.com/radio. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Friday and Saturday feature fireworks. Friday's show is sponsored by Savage Auto Group and Saturday's show by PA Virtual Charter School, Alvernia University, Crime Alert Berks County, Reading Truck, and Penn Medicine. The series finishes Sunday with a Phillie Phanatic Appearance, presented by Penske. Tickets to all games are on sale, but going fast. To buy tickets, call 610-370-BALL, go to rphils.com/tickets or in-person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office. The Fightin Phils Brentwood Industries Team Store is open both in-person or online 24/7 at rphils.com/shop.

The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.