Reading To Open Series with Somerset Tuesday

(Reading, PA) - The Fightin Phils (6-9) open their second home series of the season on Tuesday vs the the Somerset Patriots (7-8) the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Reading and Somerset played 18 games last season as the Fightins took the season series 10-8.

The Fightins return to FirstEnergy stadium after splitting a six-game series in Binghamton last week. Carson Taylor, Gabriel Rincones Jr., Marcus Lee Sang and Robert Moore all had strong performances at the plate in the series.

Taylor continued his hot streak with 6 RBI, five hits, including a double, and a three-run home run. He is tied for third in the Eastern League in homers (4), and locked for second in RBI (14). Rincones Jr. had seven hits in the series including two doubles and a stolen base. He currently leads the team in doubles (3) and runs scored (10) and is tied with Taylor for most hits (12). In Thursday's double-header, Lee Sang went 1-for-2 in game one with a solo home run, and 1-for-3 in game two with a triple and two runs scored. Robert Moore has also been consistent this season with eight hits and four RBI in the Binghamton series, improving his batting average .314.

On the mound, Matt Osterberg pitched five strong innings, stuck out five, and gave up two runs on six hits in his start last Thursday. His 1.98 ERA is currently the best on the team and ninth overall in the Eastern League. Through four games in 2024, Max Lazar remains the only Fightin Phils pitcher to not allow a hit or run this season. He owns a 12-0 strikeout to walk ratio over six-innings pitched.

The Patriots come to Reading Somerset with a 7-8 record, after splitting a series vs Hartford last week. Somerset finished 84-53 last season and ultimately lost to Binghamton in the Eastern League Semifinals. Nine of the Yankees’ top-30 prospects are on Somerset’s roster, featuring: Spencer Jones (2), Chase Hampton (4), Brock Selvidge (10), Ben Rice (12), Agustin Ramirez (21), Zach Messinger (22), Trystan Vierling (23), Jack Neely (25), Tyler Hardman (26) and Danny Watson (28). DJ Lemeiahu is also expected to make a rehab appearance this week, starting in tonight's game.

LHP Lachlan Wells gets the start for Reading on Tuesday, and he will go opposite RHP Zach Messinger for Somerset. On Wednesday Christian McGowan will make his second start of the season for the Fightins vs. Bailey Dees, and Thursday Robinson Pina will face Trystan Vrieling. Matt Osterberg takes the mound Friday against Blane Abeyta. On Saturday, Noah Skirrow will take the ball against Brock Selvidge. In Sunday's series finale, Wells and Messinger will match up for the second time in this week's series.

Don’t miss the action on Tuesday night, as the Fightins welcome the Patriots to FirstEnergy Stadium at 6:45 p.m. Pregame radio coverage gets underway at 6:30 p.m. and fans can listen at rphils.com/radio. A video stream is also available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Tuesday and Thursday are Unused Ticket Games, thanks to Rip It Baseballtown Charities. Wednesday is a special Business Person Special, starting at 1:00 pm, presented by Stratix Systems. 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.