Fightins Continue Homestand Against Akron Rubberducks on Tuesday
(Reading, PA) - The Fightin Phils (4-8; 35-45) will open a six game series on Tuesday against the Akron Rubberducks, (9-3; 46-35), the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. This is the first of two meetings this season. Reading will visit Akron later this season from August 6-11. The Fightins
(Reading, PA) - The Fightin Phils (4-8; 35-45) will open a six game series on Tuesday against the Akron Rubberducks, (9-3; 46-35), the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. This is the first of two meetings this season. Reading will visit Akron later this season from August 6-11.
The Fightins return to the field after dropping four of six to the Somerset Patriots last week.
Since signing with the Phillies on June 30, Josh Breaux is hitting .300 with three runs scored, three hits, two home runs and five RBI in three games with the Fightins. Breaux is slugging 1.000 with a 1.462 OPS. Another recent addition to the Fightins roster is Otto Kemp, who continues to impress in Double-A, since his call-up from JerseyShore on June 11. Since joining Reading, Kemp is hitting .260 with 13 runs scored, 19 hits, five homers, and 17 RBI. Last Friday, Kemp also hit his first career inside-the-park home run vs the Somerset Patriots. The last inside-the-park home run hit by an R-Phil was July 15, 2021, by Arquimedes Gamboa. On the mound, Matt Osterberg is coming off his strongest performance of the season against Somerset on July 2. The lefty went seven innings, allowed one run on seven hits, and struck out three. Osterberg retired 11 Patriots via the groundout, six with flyouts, and of his 78 pitches, 67.9% were strikes.
Akron comes to Reading after taking four of six over the Erie SeaWolves. In Saturday's series finale, they slugged five home runs in an 8-2 win. The Rubberduck's five home runs are tied for the most in an Eastern League game this season and are the most by a RubberDucks team since June 30, 2022. C.J. Kayfus leads the team in average (.316) and Alexfri Planez leads the team in RBI (34). Top 30 Guardians prospects on the Akron roster include: Chase DeLauter (1), Kahlil Watson (14), Petey Halpin (15), Parker Messick (21), C.J. Kayfus (27) and Dayan Frias (28).
LHP Matt Osterberg gets the start for Reading on Tuesday, and he will go opposite RHP Tommy Mace. Reading's starter, RHP Robinson Pina and RHP Austin Peterson will match up on Wednesday. Thursday TBA will face RHP Peter Messick, and TBA takes the mound Friday, against Akron starter Ryan Webb. On Saturday, LHP Lachlan Wells matches up against RHP Aaron Davenport. In Sunday's series finale, LHP Matt Osterberg will face righty, Tommy Mace for the second time in the series.
Tuesday features an Orion Kerkering Bobblehead for the first 1,500 adults, in Memory of Mark Malkames. Wednesday night's game will have postgame fireworks, presented by your local Kia Dealers. Thursday is a Throwback Thursday with postgame fireworks, thanks to PA Virtual Charter School, Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Berks Technical Institute, The American Diner and Reading Truck. Friday is a Savage Auto Group Fiesta Friday with postgame fireworks, sponsored by Tompkins. On Saturday, the Fightin Phils will pay tribute to Looney Tunes "Toon Squad" with special jerseys that will be auctioned off postgame. The night will conclude with a Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks show, presented by International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 429. The series ends Sunday with an Aaron Nola Bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,500 kids, thanks to Redner's Markets and Quick Stops.
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.