Somerset Prevails Over Reading in Big Offensive Night for Patriots

BOX SCORE

(Reading, PA) - The Somerset Patriots defeated the Reading Fightin’ Phils on Friday evening, knocking off the R-Phils 22-3. Patriots’ Drew Thorpe pitched phenomenal, striking out 12 batters and giving up only five hits. The Somerset offense collected 23 hits and four homers in the blowout.

Somerset struck first in the top of the first inning. After Jasson Dominguez ripped a single, Agustin Ramirez smacked a home run to left field to give the Patriots an early 2-0 lead.

The Patriots added another two runs in the top of the third inning. Max Burt and Dominguez each singled and Ben Rice hit a sacrifice fly-out to center field to score Burt. Ramirez followed with another single and Elijah Dunham hit a sacrifice fly-out to center field to score Rice.

R-Phils starter Zach Haake lasted three-and-a-third innings, giving up eight-earned runs on 10 hits. Andrew Schultz replaced Haake in the top of the fourth inning. Schultz pitched one and two-thirds innings of no-hit baseball, striking out one batter.

Somerset blew the game open in the top of the fourth inning. Jeisson Rosario, Eduardo Torrealba and Burt each singled on three consecutive at-bats. Burt picked up an RBI. Dominguez followed up with a three-run homer, giving the Patriots an 8-0 lead in the fourth inning.

Andrew Baker took over for Schultz, pitching the sixth inning. Baker threw one inning, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks. Baker struck out one batter.

The Patriots added to their lead in the sixth inning. After a Dominguez walk, Ramirez single and Dunham walk, Dominguez scored on a wild pitch. Jesus Bastidas later grounded out into a fielder’s choice, scoring run No. 10 for Somerset.

The R-Phils made a dent in the Patriots’ lead behind solo home runs from Jhailyn Ortiz and Cody Roberts, cutting Somerset’s lead to 10-2.

Carlos Francisco relieved Schultz in the top of the seventh. Francisco pitched one and a third innings. Francisco gave up six runs on five hits, striking out one batter.

Somerset gained those runs back and some in the top of the eighth inning. The inning was highlighted by RBI singles from Mickey Gasper, Burt and Rosario. Torrealba also added a three-run double, giving the Patriots a 16-2 lead.

Herbert Iser took the mound in the ninth inning. Iser only recorded one out, giving up six runs on three hits. Oritz pitched the final two outs for Reading.

The Patriots did not stop in the ninth inning. They added six runs in the ninth inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Burt.

After pitching in the ninth inning, Iser homered to right field for Reading's third home run of the night.

Thorpe earned the win for Somerset to improve to 12-2 on the season. Haake suffered the loss for Reading to fall to 1-5. With the win, Somerset improves to 24-18 in the second half and Reading falls to 20-23 in the second half with the loss.

Notes

• Jhailyn Ortiz’s homer was his seventh of the season.
• Cody Robert’s home run was his fifth of the year.
• Herbert Iser’s pitching appearance was his first this season and second in his career. The last time Iser pitched was with Jersey Shore on June 9, 2022 against Hudson Valley.
• Prior to tonight, the most runs Reading has given up this season was 14 runs on June 29 against Richmond.
• Ortiz’s pitching appearance was his first of his career.
• Iser’s home run was his third of the season.

Reading and Somerset are back in action for game five of this week's series Saturday at 6:45 p.m. LHP Matt Osterberg is scheduled to start for Reading and he will go against RHP Matt Sauer for the Patriots. Pregame coverage is underway at 6:30 pm. at rphils.com/radio. A video steam is also available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Saturday night is the 25th Annual Harley Night, with the first 2,500 adults receiving an R-Phils Harley Game Cap, and a Harley ride around the warning track. Saturday will also conclude with fireworks. Finally, on Sunday the first 1,500 kids will receive a Bryson Stott bobblehead. Tickets to all games are available at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2023 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.