Hoskins homers twice, six RBI leads Fightins to win
Rhys Hoskins hit two three-run home runs on against the Flying Squirrels (32-52) on Tuesday night to lead the Fightin Phils (61-24) to a 9-7 win. It's his second two home run game and six RBI game of the season. He hit two home runs on 6/4 vs. New Hampshire and had six RBI on 6/14 at Hartford.
Richmond wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first as C.J. Hinojosa hit a one-out, RBI double off Ricardo Pinto to take a 1-0 lead. Chris Shaw hit a sacrifice fly off Pinto to extend Richmond's lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the third. Richmond extended their lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth as Steve Lerud and Darren Ford scored on a fielder's choice.
The Fightin Phils took a 6-4 lead over Richmond in the top of the fifth. Jorge Alfaro walked with the bases loaded as Christian Marrero scored the first run of the inning. Dylan Cozens followed with a two single then Hoskins hit a three-run home run. The home run for Hoskins was his 23rd. Flying Squirrels starter Tyler Beede left the game with two outs.
Richmond tied the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the sixth. Pinto left the game after facing three batters. Joely Rodriguez (6-0) entered the game in relief of Pinto. Hoskins struck again in the top of the seventh as he hit belted another three-run home run. The home run came off Tyler Mizenko and gave Reading a 9-6 lead.
Rodriguez left the game in the bottom of the eighth with a runner on and one out. Hoby Milner came into the game to pitch in relief. He gave up a single and a sacrifice fly before striking out Christian Arroyo to end the inning. Milner earned his fourth save of the season as he pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief to earn his fourth save of the season.
The Fightin Phils and Richmond Flying Squirrels continue their series at The Diamond on Wednesday. First pitch is at 7:05 pm. Fans can listen to the game on Sports Radio AM 1240/FM 98.5 and fightins.com beginning at 6:35 pm.
Tickets for the 2016 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium.