Reading Falls 3-2 in Ranger Suarez Rehab Start
BOX SCORE (Reading, PA) - Ranger Suarez looked strong in his rehab start for the Reading Fightin Phils, but ultimately, the Altoona Curve came away victorious 3-2 on Thursday night. Suarez got the start for the Fightin Phils, as he begins his rehab back to the Phillies, and looked solid.
(Reading, PA) - Ranger Suarez looked strong in his rehab start for the Reading Fightin Phils, but ultimately, the Altoona Curve came away victorious 3-2 on Thursday night.
Suarez got the start for the Fightin Phils, as he begins his rehab back to the Phillies, and looked solid. The lefty threw two innings, giving up no runs on one hit, while striking out one batter and walking one.
He was followed by Tyler Phillips, who was getting an unconventional appearance out of the bullpen after starting every other game this season. Phillips looked the best he has all year pitching in relief. The righty went five shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk, while striking out five.
On the other side, Altoona's starter Sean Sullivan looked just as good. Sullivan went five innings, allowing four hits and two walks, while garnering six strikeouts. He was followed by Nick Dombkowski out of the bullpen, who was strong as well for Altoona.
The first semblance of trouble for either side came in the top of the eighth. Altoona loaded the bases with two outs against R-Phils pitcher Brett Schulze. Schulze would get Matt Gorski down on strikes to escape the jam and end the inning.
In the bottom of the inning, the R-Phils took the lead 1-0 on a RBI single from Wendell Rijo. But, in the top of the ninth, Altoona would take command with three runs to pull ahead 3-1. Reading struck back with one in the ninth, but with two runners on and one out, Altoona turned a double play to end the game and win 3-2.
Tyler Samaniego earned the win for Altoona to improve 1-0 on the season. Reading's Max Kuhns suffered the loss, and blown save, to fall to 0-1. The Curve's Tahnaj Thomas picked up the save, his second to secure Altoona's win.
The loss dropped Reading to 5-13 on the season, while Altoona improves over.500 at 9-8. The two teams are back in action tomorrow at 6:45 p.m. and tickets are still available and can be purchased 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.