Reading Earns Series Win after 6-3 Victory over Somerset

BOX SCORE

(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (10-11) clinched their first series victory of the season on Sunday with a 6-3 triumph over the Somerset Patriots (9-12). With the win, the Fightins are one game under .500.

The Patriots jumped to an early lead on the game's second pitch with a solo home run by Ben Rice. After giving up this run, Reading starting pitcher Lachlan Wells quickly found his command, striking out the next five Somerset batters, and retired ten-straight after allowing the leadoff homer to Rice.

The Fightins tied the game at one in the third on an RBI single by Trevor Schwecke, as Marcus Lee Sang came in to score. Schwecke came in clutch again in the 5th as he reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Robert Moore to score. The Fightins tied the game at two. Schwecke went 2-4 with two hits, and 2 RBI in the game.

The Fightins tacked on to their lead in the sixth, scoring four runs in the inning. Jim Haley led off with his first homer of the year to left-center field to tie the game at three apiece. A few batters later, Robert Moore hit an RBI double, driving in the go-ahead run as the Fightins took the lead 4-3. Moore also had a solid day, going 2-4 with two hits, an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base. He leads the team in stolen bases. The next batter, Jose Rodriguez reached base safely and took advantage of a high throw by Somerset shortstop, Alexander Vargas. This allowed two more runs to score on the play.

The Patriots took advantage of the long ball as they scored all three of their runs on solo home runs by Rice, Jared Wegner, and Benjamin Cowles. Reading pitching was able to limit any other damage by the Patriots' offense, as they allowed just six hits, one walk, and struck out 13. Beau Burrows (1-1) collected the win, Luis Velasquez (1-1) suffered the loss, and Tommy McCollum (3) earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

After an off day Monday, the Fightin Phils return to the field Tuesday to begin a six-game series at the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and pitching matchups have yet to be announced. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Reading returns home Tuesday, May 7 to begin a six-game series with the Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies) that runs through Sunday May 12. Tuesday is a School Kid Educations Day, thanks to Rip It Baseballtown Charities and MLB Play Ball. On Wednesday, Capital Blue Cross Hard Work in School Tickets are accepted. Thursday is a Nurse Recognition and Celebration, presented by Penn State Health St. Joseph. Friday features fireworks, presented by Kia and Saturday's fireworks by Adams and Associates. The series finishes Sunday with a Mother's Day Crossbody Phanny Pack for the first 1,500 women older than 18, thanks to Reading Hospital McGlinn Cancer Institute.

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.