Patriots Outscore Fightins 15-5 in Series Finale
BOX SCORE (Bridgewater, NJ) - Despite taking an early lead on Sunday afternoon, the Fightin Phils (23-34; 54-71) fell to the Somerset Patriots (33-22; 65-59) 15-5, dropping the six-game series, 4-2. Right out of the gate, Reading took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. With runners on
(Bridgewater, NJ) - Despite taking an early lead on Sunday afternoon, the Fightin Phils (23-34; 54-71) fell to the Somerset Patriots (33-22; 65-59) 15-5, dropping the six-game series, 4-2.
Right out of the gate, Reading took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. With runners on second and third, former Somerset Patriot Josh Breaux drove in two runs with an RBI single. The next batter, Otto Kemp followed with an RBI triple, his third triple of the year.
From there the Patriots bats exploded as they posted a season-high 15 runs on 16 hits. In the top of the second Jared Wegner hit a solo home run, his sixth of the year. Somerset posted two five-run innings, once in the third and again in the eighth. Their offense was led by Rafael Flores, who went 4-for-5, with a homer, two doubles, four RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base. Tyler Hardman also had a strong day at the plate going 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI, three runs scored, and two stolen bases. Spencer Jones also hit a solo home run in the third, his 15th of the season.
Ethan Wilson continued to swing a hot bat as he launched his third home run of the series, and ninth of the season with a two-run shot in the ninth. Since August 1, Wilson is slugging .642 with seven home runs and 14 RBI.
Matt Sauer earned the win (2-0), while Eiberson Castellano suffered the loss (2-2), as he tossed 2.1 innings, allowed six earned runs on six hits, walked one and struck out three.
The Fightin Phils return to the field Tuesday against the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, at 6:45 p.m. Pregame radio coverage is underway at 6:30 p.m. on the Reading Fightin Phils Radio Network. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.
The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, September 3, through Sunday, September 8, against the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. On Tuesday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Pride Night R-Phils Rainbow Pennant, presented by Kutztown University and LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Kutztown University. Wednesday is an Unused Ticket Game, thanks to Rip It Baseballtown Charities. Thursday is Tasting Festival on the Deck presented by Classic Harley-Davidson. Friday night features fireworks, thanks to Savage Auto Group. Saturday is a SpongeBob Celebration and Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks, sponsored by your local Kia Dealers. The home schedule finishes Sunday with Reading Truck MEGA Blast Fireworks, thanks to Penske.
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 and 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.