Wells Grand Slam Difference as Reading Falls to Somerset

BOX SCORE

(Somerset, NJ) - An Austin Wells grand slam and insurance runs in the eighth helped the Somerset Patriots to a 7-3 win over the Reading Fightin Phils on Wednesday night. The win for Somerset evened up this week's series at one game a piece.

After a scoreless first two frames, Reading struck first when Carlos De La Cruz lifted his 15th home run of the season to make it 1-0 Fightin Phils in the top of the third. It was De La Cruz's first home run since June 18 against Hartford.

But, Somerset wasted little time striking back in the bottom of the inning. Three walks loaded the bases and then Austin Wells blasted a grand slam to put Somerset up 4-1. Reading starter Cristian Hernandez was chased in the inning after 2.1 innings of work. He was relieved by Matt Seelinger who was charged with two of the runs and Hernandez the other two. Hernandez also had four strikeouts in the start for Reading.

Reading's pitching settled down after Wells' grand slam. Dominic Pipkin made his Reading debut with a shutout inning and then recently named Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month Carlos Francisco tossed two scoreless innings to follow.

In the top of the sixth inning, Oliver Dunn walked and Ethan Wilson followed with a single and stolen base. With runners on second and third, Baron Radcliff homered to drive home both Dunn and Wilson and make cut the Somerset lead to 4-3.

The Patriots added insurance in the bottom of the eighth. Somerset loaded the bases, then on a ground ball to Nick Podkul at third, he bobbled it and could not record the third out. This allowed Tyler Hardman to score and make it 5-3 Somerset. Delvin Perez then singled to left, scoring two runs to make it 7-3.

Matt Sauer got the start for Somerset and earned the win to improve to 1-1 with five innings of work. Hernandez suffered the loss for Reading to fall to 3-2. The save went to Somerset's Alex Mauricio, his fifth. With the win, Somerset improves to 5-3 in the second half, while Reading drops to 2-6.

Reading and Somerset are back in action Thursday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Griff McGarry is scheduled to start for Reading, while RHP Chase Hampton will be on the mound for Somerset. Live coverage of the game is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home Friday, July 14, to begin a three-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs. Tickets to all games are still 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.